Dan Coats: “this amendment is very simple. It is a matter of equity and fairness. The reality is that a majority of States, such as…”

“this amendment is very simple. It is a matter of equity and fairness. The reality is that a majority of States, such as Indiana, my State, and many others do not receive their fair share of the distribution of highway funds. This bill unfairly rewards a minority of States that have collected earmarks in the past that go to establishing the historical benchmark from which the distributions are made. This amendment creates a new system by which everyone is treated equally and treated fairly. A system of winners and losers is not the way we should go forward with distributing funds that are paid by our taxpayers for the building of roads and bridges. So let's address the current inequity in this bill and give each State its rightful share. I ask my colleagues for their support. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California.”