Barbara Boxer

I think if we could get a project that is ready to go and build the confidence there and get it started, I think it would send a really great signal.

These are important good paying jobs; they can't be exported.

It is going to lift people's spirits up.

We are going to get it done before the end of the year.

Is the loan rate a market rate from the Federal Government, or is it lower than a market?

If we were able to authorize it at a higher level and fund it at a higher level, theoretically, would we be able to take care of Los Angeles?

I don't think I could go home and support that.

That is crucial here

This is one area where we really see eye to eye, and that bodes well for the country

We are seeking funds for completion of the feasibility phase.

I want to say, on behalf of many of us on this side of the aisle, how glad we are that Senator Bunning has changed his mind and taken the option he was presented with on Thursday; that is, to offer an amendment and then for us to get this…

We are very excited about it on both sides of the aisle, and we couldn't have had a better first day.

Frankly, you have so much credibility. And Thursday's vote is key.

There are two ways to fight for things you believe in around here. One is an inside strategy, talk to our colleagues. The other is an outside strategy, engage the people who are on the ground.

I vow to streamline our bill to 10 sections at the most because that was the first advice of the Special Commission.

I just want to say to Senator Voinovich how much I appreciate his leadership.

The long-term impact on this, on the rest of the economy probably it dwarfs the direct impact on the construction industry.

Every billion dollar increase in Federal funding for transportation supports 35,000 new jobs.

That is why this Thursday vote in the House is so important.

If we do not get the authorization level restored to the funding levels of 2009, Missouri will have to make up a $243 million shortfall in the current fiscal year.

We have got to listen to that and our company.

I made a commitment to Senator Bond and to you, in your absence at that moment, that we will do a bill that you will participate in, and we will get that bill done in this Committee.

The bipartisan effort by certain Committee members to support transportation funding on the HIRE Act last week was also much appreciated.

Together, we need to put America back to work.

Thank you, Chairman Boxer, Ranking Member Inhofe, and distinguished members of the Committee.