G. K. Butterfield: “If I would have been able to offer my amendment today, it would have clarified an existing Federal highway priority…”

“If I would have been able to offer my amendment today, it would have clarified an existing Federal highway priority corridor between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia. It would have also codified the corridor as a future interstate highway. This designation, Mr. Chairman, could eventually improve transportation and commerce and economic development in North Carolina and Virginia. Eastern North Carolina, Mr. Chairman, remains one of the poorest areas in the country, despite the economic resurgence many other areas of the country have seen. My amendment, if it had been made in order, would enable future construction between Raleigh and Norfolk to build on an existing corridor where half of the route already meets Federal freeway standards. Improving on existing infrastructure can save taxpayer money and help expedite the project's completion. Mr. Chairman, I urge colleagues in future debates to consider this request. I yield back the balance of my time.”