The California Assembly on Thursday gave a green-light for high-speed rail.
The bill to release about $4.6 billion in voter-approved state bonds to start construction of a high-speed rail system now goes to the Senate, which is expected to vote on Friday.
Some highlights of the Assembly debate:
Henry T. Perea, D-Fresno: "High-speed rail in my district represents hope for the future... High-speed rail represents the opportunity for a good paying job."
David G. Valadao, R-Hanford: "We're spending money we don't have."