Amy Klobuchar: “I come to the floor today on another topic; that is, to thank and congratulate the House of Representatives, which…”

“I come to the floor today on another topic; that is, to thank and congratulate the House of Representatives, which earlier handed a great victory to the people of Wisconsin and Minnesota by passing legislation that will finally allow construction to begin on a stronger, safer bridge in the St. Croix River Valley. After 30 years of debate and delay, we have finally gotten it done, and I am proud to say it was done with broad support in both Chambers. The legislation I introduced in the Senate to allow this bridge to be built passed unanimously in January, and our Senate bill has passed the House today with the overwhelming backing of 339 Members, making the final vote count 339 to 80. This was truly a team effort, and it is an inspiring example of what we can accomplish when we are willing to put politics aside and come together to do what is right for the people we represent. I thank my colleagues in the House for their hard work and dedication in moving this legislation forward: Representatives Ron Kind, Sean Duffy, Michele Bachmann, Chip Cravaack, and Tammy Baldwin. I also thank Secretary Ray LaHood and his staff at the Department of Transportation, as well as Governors Mark Dayton and Scott Walker for their leadership at the State level. In both Minnesota and Wisconsin, there is overwhelming consensus about the critical need for a new bridge in the St. Croix River Valley.…”