Political Quotes

“In closing, we do need to move forward. This isn't the time to bicker. This is the time to put people to work. This is the time to pass long-term reauthorization. I said earlier this cannot be another Band-Aid. We have had 21 extensions. This is the eighth transportation bill extension. My dad used to say, you know, John, it's not how much you have, it's also how you spend it. We have to learn lessons. As of September 1, 2011, just a few days ago, 35 percent of the limited amount of transportation stimulus dollars for infrastructure still remained in Washington, so it's not just spending people's money, it's spending it wisely. The other thing too is the money we spent; 82 percent of it went for short-term employment. Those jobs have come and gone, a little repaving, little jobs here. We need long-term commitment, so I am committed to do whatever it takes to pass a 6-year transportation bill and a 4-year FAA authorization. The people of this country deserve no less than having responsible action by this Congress to move these important infrastructure and job- creating programs forward, and we are going to do it, mark my word. I yield back the balance of my time.”