This has been a topic that has escaped the notice of past administrations and the Congress itself.

The Federal Government has been far too complacent over the past twenty years in confronting this substantial challenge.

It is not only conceivable, but likely, that the Arctic Ocean will become passable, at least on a seasonal basis.

We have got to begin to deal with it much more pragmatically and strategically.

The plain fact is that the Arctic has emerged as a region in flux due to rising temperatures.

Supporting policies to complement the innovative work of so many communities across the country is a top priority of mine.

By including these investments in a comprehensive infrastructure package, we will ensure that resources committed to our nation's infrastructure will be effective.

Twelve years ago today the I-35 Mississippi Bridge in my home district of Minneapolis fully collapsed in the middle of busy rush hour. Thirteen people lost their lives and 100 people were injured.

Since 2010 China has spent roughly 8 percent of its GDP on infrastructure. And, on average, European countries spend an equivalent of 5 percent of GDP. But the United States investment has hovered over 2.4 percent.

I have been, obviously, focused on recapturing the Harbor Maintenance Tax. That will relieve some of the burden on the Corps, which could free up some money, but we really need to look at increased funding there, and how we can get there.

The federal government's investments in infrastructure have not kept pace with our needs.

Infrastructure is so important to our communities and the need for investment is so great.

I used to say we were becoming Third World. And our colleague, Earl Blumenauer, said to me that it was insulting.

If we commit to making these investments, we will protect not only the local needs of the Central Valley, but also our country's access to healthy, home-grown food.

This country needs significant investment in our infrastructure to build a strong foundation for a successful economy.

I made clear to the President that taking action to address our infrastructure needs is not optional.

Investments in infrastructure are proven to help local economies attract new private sector businesses and the good paying jobs that come with them.

I hope the Committee will draw ideas from this hearing and put forward solutions that have broad, bipartisan support.

What you did is you knit it together in a way that shows the interdependence and how we have a lot of investments to make.

We owe the American people no less.

We must now act to address this challenge, by coming together and enacting legislation that will make a difference.

It is important that we recognize the canal bridges and other critical evacuation infrastructure across the Nation play fundamental roles in providing for the safety of countless Americans.

I urge the Committee to provide a significant boost for water infrastructure programs under its jurisdiction.

I do expect that we will, in all probability, include Amtrak in our infrastructure package.

Adjusting the cap on the PFC would allow airports like PHL to grow, to be economic drivers, to increase competition, and to invest billions in our airports without laying the burden on taxpayers.