Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I am pleased to begin the Senate debate on the fiscal year 2017 appropriations bill for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. This bill funds many programs that are essential to the American people. Let me begin by thanking the committee chairman, Senator Cochran, and the vice chairwoman, Senator Mikulski, for their leadership in advancing this bill. I also want to pay a special thank-you and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the subcommittee. The two of us have worked together so closely in drafting this bill, and we have worked to incorporate the recommendations of more than 70 Senators from both sides of the aisle. This bill targets limited resources to programs that meet our most essential transportation and housing needs. It makes vital investments in our Nation's transportation infrastructure, providing $16.9 billion for the Department of Transportation to support much needed upgrades to our roads, bridges, seaports, railroads, transit systems, and airports. The bill will also provide $39.2 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to meet the housing needs of low-income, disabled, and older Americans, to shelter the homeless, and to create jobs in our communities through economic development programs. I want to underscore for our colleagues that we have met these essential needs in a fiscally responsible manner.…”