Elijah Cummings: “I stand here today to encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider transportation needs of their…”

“I stand here today to encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider transportation needs of their respective districts when considering the budget resolution. I remind Members, no, I implore them, to remain cognizant of just how many aspects of human society are dependent on our transportation systems: Employment, trade, land development, environmental quality, social equity, economic activity, energy and resource allocation, access to education, and access to health care. The Shuster-Oberstar-Petri-Rahall amendment permits us to address the serious infrastructure deficiencies of our Nation. It does not interfere with balancing the budget by fiscal year 2002 and it does not cut any entitlement programs. Transportation accounts for over $1 trillion in commerce annually. For every $1 billion of investment, 42,000 jobs are created. Please do not stunt the economic growth of our country by denying Americans essential transportation systems. Our daily existence depends on it.”