Ellen Tauscher: “today the House debates funding important to all of our constituents who use our Nation's highways and transit systems…”

“today the House debates funding important to all of our constituents who use our Nation's highways and transit systems, fly for business or pleasure, and who are concerned about the safety of our Nation's roadways. Mr. Chairman, Americans are spending more time in traffic today than they ever have before. They're commuting hours to work, missing their children's soccer games, and losing their precious free time to traffic. Commuters in my district in San Francisco's Bay Area are suffering in the second worst city in America for gridlock. They're losing a total of over $2 million in wasted fuel and several hours each week, away from their offices and their families. This week, the House will have to take up an eighth temporary extension of highway transit and highway safety programs. I have said time and time again, Mr. Chairman, that we must get our work done on the highway bill if we are to ensure increased investment in our Nation's transportation infrastructure. And yet, time and time again, this Congress has delayed action on the legislation. While I am disturbed by our inability to finish the highway bill, I am pleased that the House will today adopt an appropriations bill which will continue to ensure that, while limited, federal investment is available for our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Mr. Chairman, this bill however, is far from perfect.…”