Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the transportation reauthorization conference report with mixed feelings. The conference report provides $105 billion over the next 27 months for highway and transit programs and will put about 2 million people to work at a time when we desperately need jobs. These funding levels, although far from adequate, are a great improvement from the original House bill and will allow transportation agencies to plan and construct projects important to the economy. The conference report also prevents student loan interest rates from doubling, which is critical to more than 7 million students. The transit funding formulas are focused on regions with the highest need and will provide essential resources for the MTA to maintain a state of good repair and to make capacity improvements to New York City's subway system. It is unfortunate, however, that the ability of transit agencies to flex funding for operating assistance has been dropped from the final bill. Also, unfortunately, the Transportation Enhancements program, which includes bicycle, pedestrian, and safe routes to schools, is reduced by several hundred million dollars. And the Projects of National Regional Significance account, which provides for essential freight projects, is substantially watered down. Thankfully, the Keystone pipeline and coal ash provisions are out of the bill.…”