Steve Rothman: “we need three different kinds of national transportation systems in America: Airlines; highways for cars and trucks; and…”

“we need three different kinds of national transportation systems in America: Airlines; highways for cars and trucks; and rail for freight and passenger service. That is only if we want to be a first-class country. That is only if we want to be a first-class country, because we could give up that status and be a second-rate country, and then this amendment would fit right in. Just toss our national rail transportation network into the garbage. We do not need it because we want to be a second-class country. Not on my watch, not without my objection. Reform, yes. We have Members on both sides of this aisle, people of goodwill and intentions who want reform, but we cannot starve the patient and expect it to live and run a marathon. We cannot tell the homeowner, We will give you almost as much as you need for your mortgage, but nothing for the roof falling down. It cannot be done. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reject this amendment.”