Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, while I support the overall intent of H.R. 5730, it appears that this bill also moves a political agenda, and, therefore, I rise in opposition. Section 3 of the bill includes a repeal of Corridor 0-1 on the Appalachian Highway system located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District--my district. While H.R. 5730 aims to rescind unspent funds, there are simply no authorized funds associated with the 0-1 Corridor. I have come to this floor on several occasions to speak in favor of deficit reduction. Section 3 of this bill does nothing to lessen the deficit. Last month we lost a champion of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Senator Byrd. Senator Byrd was instrumental in capping the available miles in the Appalachian system. Section 3 is a feeble attempt to skirt that cap in hopes of moving this project to another district in the future. Federal law provides metropolitan planning organizations with a role in the coordination of transportation improvements. I've received letters of opposition from planning organizations, and I quote: 'The ARC has indicated that completion of the system is a top priority.' Investment in the 0-1 Corridor has already occurred. In 2004, preliminary engineering was done. In 2006 and 2010, the project was added to the long-range plan.”