Neil Abercrombie: “Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing the National Infrastructure Development Act, which I first introduced at the end…”

“Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing the National Infrastructure Development Act, which I first introduced at the end of the 103rd Congress. This bill will create more than 250,000 jobs, and help mend our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. I am pleased to be joined by Democratic Leaders Dick Gephardt, Vic Fazio, and David Bonior, who have lead countless job creation efforts in this country. During this time of debate over the role of our Federal Government, I am proud to bring a bill to the floor which shows that Government can work for America. At a time when jobs are disappearing and when we face intense international competition from abroad we badly need to create new jobs and make the investments in our roads, bridges, airports, and sewers to make our Nation more competitive. I want to remind Americans that since the election of President Clinton, the economy has continued to grow. Nearly 8 million jobs were created since his election; the unemployment rate has fallen from 7.3 percent to 5.5 percent; and, the Federal deficit has been cut in half-- reducing interest rates and increasing purchasing power.”