Vicky Hartzler: “My amendment gets our priorities right in our highway funding by prohibiting Federal funds from being used for…”

“My amendment gets our priorities right in our highway funding by prohibiting Federal funds from being used for landscaping and scenic beautification on highway projects. {time} 1930 We should spend our Federal highway dollars to improve our roads and bridges, not plant flowers. From 1992 to 2013, over $1.3 billion was spent on landscaping and scenic beautification. With data showing over 61,000 bridges classified as structurally deficient and 65 percent of the roads in the United States in less-than-good condition, this is outrageous. I appreciate roadside landscaping, but given today's limited highway dollars, these initiatives are best left to volunteer organizations such as the popular Adopt-a-Highway program. We must ensure that Federal funds are applied where they are needed most, and that is upgrading and improving our National infrastructure. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Oregon is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentlewoman's concern about the condition of our bridges, and I have spent, as I spoke earlier tonight, a lot of time on that issue and, in fact, opposed the so- called stimulus bill because of the lack of investment in infrastructure, particularly bridges.…”