G. K. Butterfield: “I thank Mr. Polis for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the rule for H.R. 5021. This closed rule…”

“I thank Mr. Polis for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the rule for H.R. 5021. This closed rule prevents an opportunity for us to address the larger issues related to passing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization, and that is what Mr. Polis and Mr. Welch are talking about. I agree. The constituents that I represent in North Carolina feel that it is critical to extend the highway trust fund. This bill is only one piece of what must be done to strengthen our Nation's infrastructure and economy. The need to pass surface transportation reauthorization funding is extremely critical. MAP-21 expires at the beginning of October. At the same time, each day brings us closer to a highway trust fund shortfall and risks putting major transportation projects on hold and stalling our economy. {time} 1345 The North Carolina DOT has indicated that the highway trust fund insolvency would jeopardize 108 projects and 20,000 jobs across my State. Eastern North Carolina remains one of the poorest districts in the country despite the economic resurgence many other areas of the country have seen. Strengthening infrastructure helps encourage economic development, increase commerce and improve tourism. We cannot afford to halt construction, growth, and progress. We must find a way to provide consistent and robust transportation funding. We need a fix to the reauthorization act.…”