Byron Dorgan: “The implication was that the folks in the inner cities really do not get any subsidy in this area. My understanding is…”

“The implication was that the folks in the inner cities really do not get any subsidy in this area. My understanding is that in this bill there is $4.4 billion in subsidy for mass transit systems. Obviously, virtually all of the cities that have mass transit systems are getting subsidized on an ongoing basis, and part of this is paid for by folks in Bismarck and Fargo. That is fine. I support that. But I do not want people listening to this debate to understand there is not a subsidy for mass transit because there is a $4.4 billion subsidy. ... I personally make the observation that I think it is a good investment to make. I respect the Senator from Arizona, but we disagree on this, because I happen to think this represents a good investment as part of our transportation system. I did want to clear up the point on whether or not mass transit is subsidized. Of course it is. It is subsidized substantially--by $4.4 billion in this bill alone.”