Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Lamb, for joining me as a coauthor of the legislation we have on the en bloc. I also thank Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves for their support as well. Every year, 575 million tons of cargo travel through our inland ports and waterways. That includes the Kaskaskia and America's Central Port in southern Illinois. Half a million American jobs depend on inland shipping. They are vital parts of the transportation network and our Nation's ability to compete globally. Unfortunately, these small coastal ports and terminals have less ability to compete for grants and capital to improve their efficiency and compete against the large facilities. This puts them at a disadvantage. This amendment will help increase access to critical Federal funding for small coastal and inland ports and terminals. Improving these facilities will not only have a big impact on the economy, but it will also help local farmers, miners, and manufacturers be more competitive. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”