Elmont Online

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood renewed the call Tuesday for the passage of President Barack Obama's $447 billion American Jobs Act, despite doubts that the measure is finding much traction in either chamber of Congress.

The act, which Obama introduced before a joint session of Congress last month, contains provisions totaling about $3 billion for building and upgrading transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports in New York state.

"I know New Yorkers are ready to get back to work," said Gillibrand, a New York Democrat. "It's time for all in Congress to heed the call of the American people, come together, and set the right policies that can put people back to work rebuilding this country."

There are 194 projects planned for the 2012 fiscal year in the Capital Region alone, according to the state Department of Transportation. Some of the projects include a $26.8 million repair of the Rexford Bridge over the Mohawk River in Schenectady County, and completion of the $11.6 million rehabilitation and repaving work on the Dunn Memorial Bridge between Albany and Rensselaer.

Despite Gillibrand's enthusiasm for the money the President's bill would bring to New York, few seem optimistic that the measure will ever get congressional approval.

U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-Kinderhook, is "supportive of aspects" of the bill, including the infrastructure investments, Gibson's spokeswoman Stephanie Valle said.

"As far as passing it in totality, though, I don't think leadership on either side has shown much interest in that," Valle said.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said Monday the House would not bring the President's jobs bill to a vote, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., accused Obama of ignoring opposition from Democrats as well as Republicans.

"They need to pass something," LaHood said of Congress, pointing out what he said was the DOT's strong record of creating jobs. " ... We put 65,000 people to work over the past two years."

LaHood said if Republicans don't like the American Jobs Act, they need to create an acceptable alternative themselves.

Gillibrand said she would "definitely" be open to passing smaller bills individually, indicating some common ground with House Republicans such as Gibson.

"They need to check with their constituents," LaHood said of Congress. "Put something on the table."