On the recordSeptember 25, 2015
I want to quickly respond to the comments made by my colleague on the other side of the aisle. We often hear that NEPA is a scapegoat for projects being delayed, but as the GAO and others have found, outside issues, including the complexity of the project, local opposition and, most importantly, funding issues are almost always the cause of delays. If we adequately funded highway and infrastructure projects, we wouldn't be seeing so many delays the majority is so concerned with. NEPA is a convenient excuse, but the facts simply don't support the claim that it is the root cause of projects being delayed. We should not be limiting the public's ability to comment on government decisions; but, instead, we should be enhancing them. This bill does the opposite. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and oppose the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
