Political Quotes

“I would like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Price, and all of the staff for their hard work in crafting the transportation portion of this bill. It is an extremely difficult year to be tasked with funding the federal government, and I understand that tough decisions had to be made. I am pleased that in comparison to the President's budget, this bill includes a $500 million increase for the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. This program provides critical funding to transit projects throughout the nation. While this funding increase is encouraging, it is my hope that a higher number can be agreed upon in conference. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a funding level of $2.1 billion, and I strongly believe that the Chairs and Ranking Members have demonstrated a commitment to providing robust funding for transportation investments to grow jobs and our economy. I also am particularly grateful for the inclusion of report language that protects the pipeline for CIG projects, and that the Senate Appropriations Committee has also approved similar language. I was alarmed that the President's budget sought to eliminate funding for projects that had not yet received Full Funding Grant Agreements. 23 states currently have CIG projects and this language would undermine the millions of dollars and years' worth of human capital they have invested.…”