Political Quotes

“However, we cannot be certain that Congress will move quickly to enact appropriation bills in January. In fact, with reorganization activities and a new majority in the Senate, there is a high level of uncertainty about timing for the entire appropriation process. Because of this uncertainty, it is imperative we absolutely be clear that the highway program will continue at the full enacted funding level of $31.8 billion, as it is cleared today. That is the level we are spending monies today, not $27.7 billion. It is important to note that except for the highway program, this program, the one that affects every one of your districts, that this continuing resolution continues all activities under the fiscal year of 2002 funding levels, all activities. But they picked out the highway program. It is unfair to cut the highway programs in your district. Now, Members should keep that in mind very closely when they cast their vote. Every dollar of the $31.8 billion funding level we support comes from the highway trust fund. It does not come from the general budget. It does not come from the general fund. It is the trust fund. It is the money of the users of the highways. It is funded by fuel taxes, it is paid by the highway users; and those highway funds should be used to sustain jobs and reduce congestion and improve our economy.”