Richard L. Hanna: “I thank the chairman. And I still have my union card. Mr. Chairman, this long-term bill represents years of work from…”

“I thank the chairman. And I still have my union card. Mr. Chairman, this long-term bill represents years of work from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and it is a credit to the leadership of both Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio. Mr. Chairman, I would like to highlight two provisions: First, this bill restores the ability of States to use up to 10 percent of their funds to capitalize State Infrastructure Banks. These banks free up capital to invest in projects in smaller communities where funding and resources are otherwise unavailable; Second, it authorizes a pilot program to allow younger CDL holders to drive across State lines. Every State but Hawaii allows 18-year-olds to obtain a CDL and drive a truck, but Federal law prevents them from crossing State borders. In New York, an 18-year-old can drive nearly 500 miles from Buffalo to Long Island, yet cannot drive the 15 miles across the border from Binghamton to Pennsylvania. This provision will create opportunities for good-paying jobs, and it supports local economies while keeping our roads safe. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”