Peter DeFazio actually said...

"the assertion by DOT was that this was administration policy. Now everybody knows that Presidents' budgets are not policy, they are merely a suggestion to the United States Congress."

"A President's annual budget request is nothing more than a request for Congress to consider. It cannot supersede the law or the congressional power of the purse."

"Do you believe FTA truly understands that by dragging their feet on project approvals, they are wasting money, forgoing good jobs, and delaying economic benefits to communities across the country?"

"I am ready to work with my colleagues in fulfilling our oversight responsibilities and ensuring FTA's implementation of this program is complying with statutory requirements."