John Mica: “Mr. Chairman, last November 7, the voters of Florida passed a State referendum requiring the construction of a statewide…”

“Mr. Chairman, last November 7, the voters of Florida passed a State referendum requiring the construction of a statewide high speed rail system, and that provision is now a part of our State constitution. Unfortunately, the legislature did not pass the enabling legislation in time for the subcommittee's funding deadline, which was April 6. In fact, the Florida Senate passed the High Speed Rail Authority Act on May 2 and the Florida house on May 3. Our Florida Governor signed this measure into law just a few weeks ago, on June 1. The State of Florida has now taken action to authorize and commit $4.5 million in State funds for high speed rail, and we respectfully ask the subcommittee's support and assistance and consideration in the future. Mr. Chairman, I hope that the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) will be able to work with my colleagues in the Florida delegation and help us identify and secure funding for this project, which also has been authorized under one of the high speed rail corridors.”