Peter DeFazio

We lost 346 lives in 2 flights in 5 months, and that is why it is so fitting that you are here today to represent those lives, those families.

It is our job to provide the resources and oversight necessary to ensure the safety of the U.S. aviation system.

On behalf of the entire Subcommittee, for Members here today and those who cannot join us, I extend our sincerest condolences...

I appreciate TWU's, as well as ALPA and APFA's, support of this bill...

Last week, Chair DeFazio, Vice Chair Davids, Congressmen Davis and Ferguson and I introduced the Fair and Open Skies Act...

I want to extend our sincerest condolences to both of you and your families and all the families during this very difficult time

Last week Chair DeFazio and Vice Chair Davids, Congressmen Davis and Ferguson and I introduced the Fair and Open Skies Act

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 look forward to hearing your testimony and solutions from stakeholders to improve FTA's implementation of the Capital Investment Grant Program.

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.

Are you willing to look at and approve projects over 40 percent?

I have got to say I find it nonsensical to say well, it is the first 2 years of this administration and of course things--

I hope these findings, and the discussion today, mark the beginning of a new page, where FTA, the Department of Transportation, and the White House drop their hostility towards transit and follow the law.

Unfortunately, that is not true.

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.

I remain hopeful that this is still possible. I stand ready to work with anyone who is serious about investing in our infrastructure.

Ideology does not supersede the law.

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.

On July 10, they introduced H.R. 3632, the Fair and Open Skies Act.

If this bill was enacted into law tomorrow--and the Corps receives the funding, does the Corps have the capability to meet this goal?

Rising tides raise all ships--and enactment of this legislation will pave the way for further adjustments in WRDA.

I want to reiterate the need for the administration to request funding for authorized projects.

We have less than 40 percent utilization to authorized depths at the 50 largest harbors in America.

I intend to fully utilize the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for its intended lawful purpose.

The Corps functions are so critical to many parts of the Nation.