Political Quotes

“Mr. President, this amendment is about States being able to control what happens at their rest areas. It is a very important amendment. It is supported by a number of different groups: the National Governors Association, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Citizens Against Government Waste, a lot of private sector entities, as well as other organizations. It goes to a mandate that was put in place back in 1956 that is a typical one-size-fits-all Federal mandate--unfunded--that does not allow States the flexibility to decide what they do at their rest areas. This amendment would lift that mandate from 1956. Incidentally, 26 of us represent States that already allow some commercial activity at rest areas because those rest areas were grandfathered in before the 1956 mandate. It makes a lot of sense, and it will save States hundreds of millions of dollars a year. It takes that money and provides for the needs of the State in the transportation areas, including putting more money into roads and bridges. This amendment does not direct or mandate States to do anything. They do not have to commercialize a single rest area. They do not have to change the way they are doing anything, but they would have the opportunity to do so. It gives States the much needed flexibility they want. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time in opposition? The Senator from California.”