Political Quotes

“H.R. 5383, debated and passed today, includes language that allows two streetcars manufactured in the Czech Republic to enter the United States duty free. These streetcars are additions to the recently opened and highly successful Portland, Oregon streetcar line. I would to take this opportunity to thank the Ways and Means Committee Members and staff for working with me to solve a problem that would have led to unnecessary tariffs on these two streetcars. The work that they have done is important not only for Portland as it addresses its transportation needs, but hopefully can be developed as a model that can help other cities as they attempt to offer their regions greater transportation choices. This past weekend, as a participant in the 2002 Rail-Volution conference held in Washington, D.C., I heard from local officials, land-use planners, transit employees, citizen advocates, and developers from more than 200 communities nationwide that are working to address transportation needs and options. Creating a trade import model that helps communities explore transportation alternatives that improve the livability of our cities is a worth endeavor of Congress.”