On the recordMay 15, 2015
As was referenced on the floor of the House, in 4 legislative days, funding expires for transportation. I could actually give my speech from last summer that predicted we would be exactly in this spot--nothing changed, more delay. There are three things that we can do to fix it: Number one, the President ought to issue an absolute deadline that he will not sign any extension that passes September 30; 4\1/2\ months is enough time for Congress to do its work. Second, the Ways and Means Committee should get down to work with a series of hearings involving the people who actually do this out in the real world--contractors, business, unions, local governments. For the first time in 55 months, let's have those hearings. And finally, let's have action on legislation that I have introduced, a gas tax increase for the first time in 22 years, similar to what has happened in Georgia, Utah, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota--Republican red States. If they can step up and take their responsibility, maybe Congress can do that in the next 4\1/2\ months. ____________________
