On the recordMarch 13, 2012
I am asking for that. Fine. I think this is so critical. The DeMint amendment is the end of the Federal highway and transportation system. It is a system that has been in place since Republican President Dwight Eisenhower told us how critical it was. He said in the 1950s: The Transportation bill's impact on the American economy--the jobs it would produce in manufacturing, construction, the rural areas it would open--are beyond calculation. Ronald Reagan said: It has enabled our commerce to thrive, our country to grow, and our people to roam freely. Senator DeMint is taking on two icons in the Republican Party, President Eisenhower and President Reagan. Today, the National Association of Manufacturers said they oppose this amendment. They oppose it. It would reduce future revenues, they said. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said they are against it, and without this Transportation bill there is no guarantee that States would prioritize transportation investments that support national interests. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association said they are against this amendment, and it would force your State to raise its own taxes or force cuts elsewhere to offset massive cuts in Federal highway and transit investments. I respect my friend, but this is a disaster if it were to pass. I urge a ``no'' vote. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The question is on agreeing to amendment No. 1756.
