Political Quotes

“During the Eisenhower administration, the Federal Government forged a compact with the American public, pledging to its citizens that in exchange for a gasoline tax a transportation trust fund would be established. The money generated by the tax was to be used strictly for transportation and infrastructure development. Forty years later, Americans continue to uphold their end of the bargain. Americans pay 18.4 cents Federal tax on every gallon of gas they purchase and a 10-percent excise tax on all airline tickets. Last year alone, these taxes added up to nearly $30 billion. I find it simply inexcusable that the Government refuses to release these funds at a time when our Nation's infrastructure is crumbling. It is estimated that more than $300 billion is needed to remedy our unmet transportation and infrastructure needs. By failing to use these funds for their intended purpose, the Federal Government has broken its promise and violated the principles that are central to the notion of a trust fund--the term 'trust fund' in this case is a true oxymoron.”