Tom Latham: “I must oppose the gentleman's amendment. This would not allow the Federal Railroad Administration to hire additional…”

“I must oppose the gentleman's amendment. This would not allow the Federal Railroad Administration to hire additional safety inspectors and fully implement the risk reduction program. {time} 2110 These investments have a proven record in reducing the number of crashes on our Nation's railways. While we appreciate the gentleman's concern over the debt, this is an arbitrary way to budget, and it negates months of work on this committee to try and determine the proper funding levels for these different functions. The bill already cuts $4 billion from 2012, which is a very fiscally responsible level, so I would urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.”