Mark Kirk: “I applaud the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and the committee for taking action to fight the growing gridlock…”

“I applaud the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) and the committee for taking action to fight the growing gridlock that plagues northern Illinois. For the first time in 70 years, our country is building a new commuter rail line, Metra's North Central line; and once complete, this line will pull thousands of cars off of our crowded highways and will help us meet our obligations under the Clean Air Act. The bill also contains funding for a traffic control center in Libertyville, Illinois, the Pace Suburban Bus System that relieves the pressure for the reverse commuters and for runway construction at Palwaukee Airport that will rebuild a crumbling runway that is crucial to relieving congestion at nearby O'Hare. I want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for their commitment to the quality of life and environment of northern Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I urge strong support for this bill.”