Bud Shuster: “This has been 3 years in the making. When I first became chairman just about 3 years ago to almost the date today, one…”

“This has been 3 years in the making. When I first became chairman just about 3 years ago to almost the date today, one of my top priorities was to pass a multiyear surface transportation bill. I have had some people who lament and say: Oh, you have been on the floor long; oh, you have had to go through these different fights. But I can tell you, it has all been pleasurable. It is exciting that we finally are getting this thing to send here on the floor and get it into conference. I couldn't do it without the help and advice of a great staff on the Republican side. I also want to thank the Democratic staff. I know both staffs have spent some long nights and some long weekends trying to get this thing all worked out, and they have done a great job of it. I thank each and every one of them on both sides of the aisle for their hard work. I want to thank all the members on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on both sides for their valuable input and, again, their hard work in putting this thing together to bring it to the floor. I want to thank Ranking Member DeFazio, Ranking Member Norton, and the chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Mr. Graves, for their work. Peter DeFazio has been a good friend and able opponent at times. He has been here a long time. He is bright; he is tough; he is passionate; but at the end of the day, we are able to come together on a lot of these issues and work it out, so I appreciate Mr. DeFazio's efforts.…”