Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 2028 and would like to take this opportunity to talk about the importance of investing in American infrastructure. This legislation provides support for critical national and regional waterways. The Soo Locks, located in my district, are a critical point in our Nation's infrastructure. Over 80 million tons of commercial commodities travel through the Soo Locks each year, including the vast majority of the iron ore mined in the United States. The value of the cargo traveling through the Soo Locks represents approximately 3.2 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product each year. Recently, the Army Corps completed a sensitivity analysis on the Soo Locks and has indicated that they may begin a new benefit-cost ratio in the future. This lip service isn't good enough. The impact on our economy, should there be a failure of the lock, is too great. The study must be completed, and I am confident that it will show a need for a replacement lock and construction can get underway. I urge the Corps to continue to work with Congress in an efficient and transparent fashion so that we can continue to move this process forward and get this project going.”