Frank Lautenberg: “I start by commending the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee for his work on behalf of getting the…”

“I start by commending the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee for his work on behalf of getting the funding raised for the Transportation bill. It is critical. There is not a State that would not like to see more money for highways, transit or whatever else they do--perhaps even for long-distance rail service. The manager of the bill, the chairman of the committee, had to wrestle with not only his conscience, but colleagues who felt differently. There were over 20 ``no'' votes. I wonder if those Senators would forgo the extra money that resulted from the increase in the size of the bill. Perhaps that could be polled. I thank my colleague, Senator Corzine, for generating this amendment which I share in sponsoring to ensure integrity in highway contracting. My friend and colleague from New Jersey has always fought against corruption in public activities and contracting. I am proud to stand and fight alongside him to make sure every State has the right to make choices about how it conducts its campaign financing laws and how it looks to better management of the process so corruption is avoided. That is what this is about. One has to look at the bill. It is relatively simple. Frankly, I thought it would be something that could be accepted on its face by unanimous consent. There is no punitive measure in here. I understand our colleague from Missouri said I was big on sanctions. How right he is. I am big on sanctions.…”