But, if there's one example, one thing that the Congress ought to be doing right now that would improve--

We greatly appreciate your leadership in developing a proposal that would benefit both rural and urban areas.

We appreciate that you are a co-sponsor of S. 308 and S. 309, bills introduced by Senator Baucus that would strengthen Federal funding for investment in highways in and across rural states.

But for agriculture to remain competitive, balance must be brought into the game.

An important consideration for any new Federal transportation financing mechanisms like an infrastructure bank is to ensure all areas of the country, both rural and urban, are not only eligible, but can compete on a level playing field.

My question is, how is your industry going to meet the challenge of doubling the amount of freight that it carries?

I think it's important to explore the proper role of the Federal Government in ensuring our transportation system can safely and efficiently move freight and passengers throughout the country.

I've joined with Senator Ron Wyden in introducing the Build American Bonds Act, which enjoys bipartisan support.

I want to thank you for your brilliant leadership in negotiating this legislation.

We, like AASHTO, support keeping the ratio between the highway and transit programs at 4-1.

Thank you, Larry, very much.

The next Federal highway bill must ensure adequate investment in rural highways.

If South Dakota didn't have rail, South Dakota industries wouldn't be competitive in grain production.

The FRA does need to grant the short-lines' waiver request for small Class II and Class III railroads without further delay.

No industry is more dependent on a good viable transportation infrastructure than agriculture.

But, you know, the basic model of railroads in this country today is very different than the highway model, which is a very publicly driven model.

the next highway bill, my guess is, is going to be, as is usually the case, a huge fight between large states and small states, donor states and donee states.

We believe that the highway program is vitally important.