Lincoln Diaz-Balart: “First, I understand what the gentleman is trying to do, and I respect him for that. But I think Chairman Price has set…”

“First, I understand what the gentleman is trying to do, and I respect him for that. But I think Chairman Price has set the right threshold for BUILD planning grants. More money going to planning could potentially, frankly, mean less money for infrastructure for actual projects. That is particularly true if, as I fear, when there is a top-line number agreed to by the House, Senate, and the White House, the number that Chairman Price is going to have to work with might be less than what he is working with today, making his job a lot more difficult. Again, I understand what the gentleman is trying to do. I have said it publicly and I have said it privately: I think Chairman Price has done a great job and has got a good balance. Therefore, even though I understand what the gentleman is trying to do, I respectfully have to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”