Jared Huffman: “This bill represents a massive step backward for transportation and infrastructure funding, reducing funds for rail…”

“This bill represents a massive step backward for transportation and infrastructure funding, reducing funds for rail, transit, and highway programs that our communities desperately need. In addition to slashing TIGER grants by 80 percent, the bill restricts eligibility for these grants, effectively locking out public transportation and passenger rail projects from this critical funding stream. In my district, Sonoma and Marin Counties have come together to support the SMART rail project. This is a new public transit project that will provide a critical service to commuters, to students going to school, to tourists that are visiting and spending money in the local economy. The counties are putting a significant share forward in local funding. Over 90 percent of the cost of the project has come from these local sources, but they need the ability to access Federal assistance like TIGER grants to extend the first phase and close gaps in this important new system. This bill puts roadblocks in the path that the SMART project and projects similar to it all over this country. In addition, this bill contains a rider blocking funding for California's high-speed rail project. We shouldn't undermine State and local efforts to invest in transportation infrastructure and to promote economic development, and I urge a ``no'' vote on this unwise and unwarranted bill. With my remaining time, Mr.…”