Jeff Denham

How much time do I have remaining? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from California has 1\1/2\ minutes remaining.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to speak on behalf of my amendment to authorize the enlistment in the Armed Forces of undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. under 15 years of age, who entered the country on or before December…

Let me just finish by saying the precedence is here. Legal permanent residents are already serving in our military from American Samoa, from Micronesia, from Palau. We have a long history of over 660,000 immigrants serving in our military…

In addressing his concern about the cost of this bill, it is yet to be defined. It's something that we will need the administration to define the cost of, as we would with any bill that goes through the appropriations process. We look…

I believe that the Northeast Corridor is extremely important.

There is a huge shortage of funds. We have got to fix the highways, but we only have about 2 years' worth of funding for a 5-year bill.

We need those public-private partnerships.

We need to make sure we focus on what makes sense and prioritize that investment in the infrastructure.

Responsible governing involves choices, and while this administration in its budget wants to fund everything, we really need to, again, focus like a laser on those things that are smart investments.

I would assume that once the project starts, that there will be a push from my friends in Congress to finish that project.

The Federal Government needs to incentivize the States to participate and to invest in these things, as it always has.

We need to put the cost controls in to make sure that the projects happen not only on time but on budget.

I believe the $6 billion that was given to California high-speed rail could be better spent on such upgrades as these projects where they are both clearly identified and necessary beyond dispute.

I do think that we will see high-speed rail in my lifetime. The question is what is it going to look like.

My concern with the Northeast Corridor is we cannot afford to wait until something breaks or there is a safety issue before we fix it.

Let me just say that this committee is very focused on getting the passenger reauthorization bill done this year.

I agreed with the President 5 years ago when he said a $9 trillion debt is un-American. Now we are double that.

The private sector will be retained for design build contracts.

Actually let me start with that same line. I have got a few questions that are similar, but short answers.

We would ask you to work with us. That is obviously a huge goal of this committee is to get the passenger reauthorization bill done this fall.

I have talked to the French. They are investing in rail all over the world...

So just to be clear, from Madera to Bakersfield would be that initial segment, which is going to be dedicated track for Amtrak specific, which would at least be able to get higher speeds from Madera to Bakersfield at a $6 billion cost.

The $9.95 billion was approved by California voters. And there is a $38 billion shortfall.

With no ongoing subsidy.

I think Mr. Thompson is right.