Political Quotes

“I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in allowing me to speak on this rule. Madam Speaker, embedded here in this legislation for Transportation- HUD is the Livable Communities Initiative, a visionary, popular, and important program of the administration. In fact, however, it began in the last Congress where the subcommittee of Transportation and HUD, under the leadership of Chairman Olver, promoted these initiatives. It was also part of a partnership with Mr. Oberstar, the chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who has long championed these efforts to have the Federal Government be a better partner working with communities on critical areas of transportation and housing. This bill has built on this approach. It has taken critical elements that strengthen community, revitalize the economy, and help protect the planet. I must, however, speak against a couple of ill-advised attacks on the livable communities program of the administration. In particular, there is an amendment by my friend and colleague from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) that would strip out of transportation elements of livability. The irony is that the reauthorization that Mr. DeFazio is working on--which we all hope will happen sooner rather than later--actually will promote a number of these approaches.…”