Bill Posey: “With all due respect, there is nothing in this amendment that adds any restrictive impediments whatsoever. It only…”

“With all due respect, there is nothing in this amendment that adds any restrictive impediments whatsoever. It only requires that the Department of Transportation follow the law when they allocate these funds. Although this is being called a private project, the taxpayers will be on the hook for over $1.7 billion--that is $1.7 billion. So I think it is important in the interests of protecting our taxpayers, certainly, that we make sure the Department of Transportation follows the law. If there weren't a propensity already demonstrated not to follow the law, then I would not have to bother with this amendment. But it is clear there are some intentions to violate the provisions of the law and do things that they are not authorized to do. That is why I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to bring accountability and protect taxpayers for $1.7 billion. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Posey). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”