Political Quotes

“I extend my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Price, and all of our staff for their very hard work in crafting the transportation portion of the underlying bill. I am pleased that, in comparison to the President's budget, this bill includes a $500 million increase for the Capital Investment Grant program. This program provides critical funding to transit projects throughout our Nation. While this funding increase is encouraging, it is my hope that a higher number can be agreed to 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 am particularly grateful for the inclusion of report language that protects those in the queue 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. I would emphasize that 23 States currently have CIG projects, and this language would undermine the millions of dollars and years' worth of human capital these communities have invested. These projects are an investment in our national economy.…”