I have also been working closely with the Army Corps leadership, both in New England and in Washington, to ensure the safest and most resilient evacuation routes remain a priority.

The most important investment that we can make is in our people and particularly, in our youth.

America has a long history of building some of the most impressive infrastructure systems in the world, and investing in these vital networks is part of what makes this country exceptional.

This should be a paid-for package, as we move forward.

Every day that we wait to act also means the price tag to fix our infrastructure goes up.

My parents' generation left us a world-class infrastructure system, and I look forward to working with you on these important initiatives to meet that promise for generations to come.

Congress needs to address this not only to help the economy, but also to promote basic public safety.

I encourage you to prioritize investments in our failing water systems alongside our need to invest in America's roads, bridges, and transit systems.

water--clean water, wastewater, and the inland waterways were all subject to the discussion.

I think we have a little work to do downtown at the White House on that issue, but it is critical.

I appreciate your testimony.

We must make big, bold, investments in affordable housing.

Thank you, Chairman DeFazio and Ranking Member Graves, and to the entire committee for giving me the chance to join you today to share my perspective on the vital issues that are under your jurisdiction, and particularly the infrastructure…

I just want to opine that I traveled to Spain a number times over the years.

These practices should have no place in our country, and certainly not at Amtrak--an American corporation that is majority owned by the federal government and receives billions of tax dollars to subsidize their service.

I appreciate your support. You know it is the most cost-effective way to deal with airport needs for security and capacity.

If enacted, we would still have 12 to 13 years of funds sets aside for retiree health premiums, a total of $47-and-a-half billion.

A simple repeal of the pre-funding mandate remains the most obvious solution to the postal financial crisis.

The wealthy, the 1%ers, and those traveling on expense accounts will likely not notice an $8.50 PFC.

This represents a substantial increase and a significant impediment to travel.

The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that our Nation's ports and harbors will need an additional investment of $15.8 billion between now and 2020.

I am happy to work with my colleagues and any of you here on ways to fully utilize the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

I hope for better treatment by the Rules Committee this year when we move similar legislation.

Help us get the money, all the money, annually that comes in, spend it, and a plan to in a prudent way spend down the money that Congress has previously diverted.

It is time we use our legislative authority to correct how Congress funds the operation and maintenance of our commercial harbors.