Political Quotes

“today the Senate will overwhelmingly approve the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, SAFETEA-LU, H.R. 3. I support this important legislation as I have done when similar measures came before the Senate last year and again in May. I believe it is a critical step toward funding our Nation's transportation infrastructure and creating much needed jobs. This process was not perfect. It took 12 short term extensions and nearly 2 years to complete this bill. The Senate funding level began at $318 billion 18 months ago and shrunk to $295 billion in May. The House passed its version, TEA-LU, at $284 billion. The President unfortunately, supported the lower House number. In fact, he threatened to veto any transportation bill that exceeded the $284 billion funding level. I am glad he changed his mind. Reauthorization of TEA-21 is one of the most important job and economic stimuli that the 109th Congress can pass. I am pleased that Congress has finally accomplished this elusive goal. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the benefits of this legislation for my home State of Illinois. H.R. 3 would make the largest investment to date in our Nation's aging infrastructure, $286.45 billion over the life of the bill. In short, SAFETEA would increase the State of Illinois' total Federal transportation dollars and provide greater flexibility.…”