Ray LaHood

Can I just say that as a result of the work that you have done, Madam Chair, this idea of these kinds of transportation opportunities coming from the grassroots up...

Where there is good planning, you can make it happen, and you can actually talk about livable neighborhoods.

Making America's communities more livable is a key part of the President's agenda, and the administration is already making important advancements in this area.

President Obama's administration's intention is to restart this program. It is a part of NAFTA. It needs to be restarted.

Well, by proposing changes rather than just using economic development, which is an important, obviously, criteria.

We need to think outside of the box.

That's the reason you put this money in the bill, so people could go to work.

I want to compliment your Governor. I think the reason that Wisconsin is in the high-speed rail business is because Governor Doyle stepped up.

Transportation must not only be safe, but also contribute to livable, sustainable neighborhoods.

The President's request for next year totals $79 billion, a $2 billion increase over fiscal year 2010 levels.

The President wants a robust, comprehensive transportation program. We need to find the money to do it.

Our groundbreaking investments in high-speed passenger rail service, which have generated tremendous excitement around the country, will go a long way to enhance livability in many communities.

Together, we're helping State and local governments make smarter investments in their transportation, energy, and housing infrastructure.

I urge Congress to pass this legislation this year.

Safety is our highest priority at DOT.

President Obama's administration's intention is to restart this program.

I told Senator Bond that the most common complaint that I heard at the beginning of my tenure was, why does it take 10 or 12 years to get a New Starts program going?

Cost effectiveness is obviously important, but I am really happy to see a more holistic approach that also considers the potential impacts of congestion and the environment and the economy.

Can I just say that as a result of the work that you have done, Madam Chair, this idea of these kinds of transportation opportunities coming from the grassroots up...

Where there is good planning, you can make it happen, and you can actually talk about livable neighborhoods.

We think that the collaboration that we are doing will enable people to have affordable housing and affordable transportation.

If there is a small town mayor, they ought to have a seat at the table and be a part of the planning process.

I think we all agree there is a tremendous need to invest in our Nation's infrastructure.

Well, we think there needs to be some reform to MPOs to make sure that in past instances where the rural communities have not been at the table, that they can be at the table, that their transportation, housing and other needs are really…

We believe that the MPOs are a very good mechanism to do that.