Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I want to commend Senators Collins and Reed for their hard work on this bill. The Senators worked closely together, continuing a great tradition of the Appropriations Committee. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Related Agencies bill has two critical missions. It is Congress' annual infrastructure bill, creating jobs in construction, and it meets compelling human needs by strengthening communities. While I support this bill, I also reaffirm my continued commitment to getting a 12-bill omnibus done by December 11--leaving no bill behind and no Christmas crisis. This bill keeps Americans on the move, delivering Federal formula funding to every State for highways, byways, and mass transit. Thanks to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which increased the discretionary caps by $50 billion, we are here today to take up the Collins and Reed amendment, adding nearly $1.6 billion to the Senate Committee bill. The Collins-Reed amendment increases funding for the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program, and competitive TIGER grants. It recognizes the importance of the U.S. flag fleet and merchant marines to our national security by increasing funding for the Maritime Security Program. The amendment also restores funding to HUD's Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs. These are programs that every county executive and mayor talk to me about.…”