Political Quotes

“in honor of tomorrow being Earth Day, I think it appropriate for us to pause for a moment and consider one of these pictures that is worth 1,000 words. This photo of the block above the Metro South Station immediately behind the Cannon Building makes crystal clear how we in the House of Representatives can use our resources to improve the environment around us. Tens of millions of dollars are being proposed right now to help the District of Columbia, an area that is in decline, that is fighting road congestion, air pollution, with some rather elaborate proposals. Yet each day 5,000 people exit this transit station on their way to work in and around Capitol Hill, and it suggests a simple solution to encourage less traffic, less sprawl, and revitalize Washington, D.C. Consider for a moment the over 6,000 parking spaces the House reserves for those employees who drive. These spots are on hold, guarded, secure 24 hours a day. They cost the taxpayer approximately $1,500 a year per employee per parking space. On the other hand, employees who use public transportation are totally on their own. They have to meet the costs of their transportation, even though they work side-by-side with employees for whom the $1,500 per year worth of transportation costs are covered by the House.”