Political Quotes

“Mr. President, we are long overdue to reauthorize our Nation's transportation programs. The last reauthorization, SAFETEA LU, expired in September 2009. Since then there have been seven short-term extensions, and the most current extension expires on March 31. I am pleased the Senate is finally voting on a bill, S. 1831, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP 21. A path forward for action on the House bill is still unclear so we may indeed need another short-term extension. MAP 21 enjoys the strong support of a broad cross-section of organizations ranging from the AFL CIO, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Public Transportation Association. This bill will improve the mobility of people and commerce while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. Investing in the construction and maintenance of our roads, bridges, public transit systems, trails, and rail infrastructure means people and goods move more efficiently and that improves our international competitiveness. And investing in infrastructure will create badly needed jobs. It is one of the most obvious things we can do to help boost the economy as it struggles to emerge from the great recession. So I will vote yes on final passage of S. 1813. MAP 21 is a bipartisan, 2-year bill that provides level funding with increases to account for inflation. The bill would provide $109 billion over 2 years for surface transportation programs.…”