Political Quotes

“First of all, I want to thank my close friend from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), who not only called the House to order but who has been an extraordinary champion of transit systems for years, especially of Washington's metropolitan transit system, because he gets it. He understands how important this transit system is. There was a previous discussion, a dialogue, between Mr. Connolly and Mr. Garrett. The outcome of it was a suggestion that Washington's Metro system is somehow extraordinarily subsidized. The fact is that it's subsidized but that it's subsidized primarily by local governments. We have been trying on our side to provide subsidies to transit systems all over the country, including in the New York-New Jersey area-- apparently, given the results of some of the votes, without much success on this bill. The point I want to make, Mr. Chairman, is that Metro is our Nation's transit system. It was created largely to serve the needs of the Federal Government. Forty percent of Metro's peak ridership are Federal employees, so a Federal role is both necessary and appropriate. WMATA is also the primary means of transportation for visitors to our Nation's Capital. Whether they come to experience our historical legacy, to participate in rallies on The Mall or to meet with their Members of Congress, they use our Nation's Metro system.…”