People want other alternatives.

We believe that the MPOs are a very good mechanism to do that.

If there is a small town mayor, they ought to have a seat at the table and be a part of the planning process.

Where there is good planning, you can make it happen, and you can actually talk about livable neighborhoods.

Cost effectiveness is obviously important, but I am really happy to see a more holistic approach that also considers the potential impacts of congestion and the environment and the economy.

President Obama's administration's intention is to restart this program.

Federal agencies must begin to partner with one another to make the biggest possible impact on the ground.

We can help communities coordinate the use of all available resources to turn segregated neighborhoods of concentrated poverty into integrated, healthy, sustainable communities.

Well, we think there needs to be some reform to MPOs to make sure that in past instances where the rural communities have not been at the table, that they can be at the table, that their transportation, housing and other needs are really…

I think we all agree there is a tremendous need to invest in our Nation's infrastructure.

We think that the collaboration that we are doing will enable people to have affordable housing and affordable transportation.

Can I just say that as a result of the work that you have done, Madam Chair, this idea of these kinds of transportation opportunities coming from the grassroots up...

I told Senator Bond that the most common complaint that I heard at the beginning of my tenure was, why does it take 10 or 12 years to get a New Starts program going?

We need to think outside of the box.

Every time a veteran commits suicide in our country, the VA has failed in its responsibilities.

Suicide rates continue to climb, and suicide now claims more lives from our Armed Forces than war efforts in the Middle East.

It is the charge of VA, and this Committee, to continue working until no veteran falls through the cracks.

They are waiting for us to lead. And, as long as I hold this office, I intend to provide that leadership. And so I ask Congress to finish... its work. And I look forward to signing this reform into law.