Brian Jones: “I rise in support of the amendment offered by myself and my friend from Arizona, Senator McSally. This amendment would…”

“I rise in support of the amendment offered by myself and my friend from Arizona, Senator McSally. This amendment would permanently block an impending $1.2 billion in cuts to the Federal public transportation investment. These cuts will affect every one of our States--every one--including 7 million in my home State of Alabama. Without this legislation to block what is known as the ``Rostenkowski Test,'' every public transit agency will suffer a 12-percent across- the-board cut to transit formula grants this year. For many transit agencies, particularly these smaller transit agencies that serve rural States such as mine, these cuts could be devastating. These cuts would reduce services that are so important to the community, for instance, services for low-income people and services to those who have disabilities. These cuts would reduce funds for important bus and rail efforts to modernize our transportation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator has used 1 minute.”