Political Quotes

“I oppose this amendment. I rise today in opposition to the Sununu-Andrews amendment to eliminate funding for Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, PNGV. While I understand that some of the money would go to the States' Land and Water Conservation Fund, as well as funding for PILT, this plan simply does rob Peter to pay Paul, taking money from one important environmental program to give to another. Furthermore, it appears that the real intention of the amendment is the elimination of funding for basic research for vastly improved fuel efficiency. We should find other ways to fund these other programs. PNGV is a public-private partnership to develop a family sedan that is affordable and can achieve 80 miles per gallon. This 10-year program recently reached its 6-year goal to release a concept vehicle that can achieve utility and fuel efficiency as desired. The next phase of the program is an effort to make these cars affordable. To suggest that new progress has not been made is not accurate. We are simply in the middle phase of the partnership. I strongly support this program because it works to achieve an important goal: fuel efficiency and environmental protection without losing utility, safety, or affordability.”