Political Quotes

“Our manufacturers, small business owners, and everyday commuters require a modern transportation system. Simply put, our daily lives, our safety, and our economy all require a first- rate transportation system. But our Nation's infrastructure is crumbling, endangering travelers, lengthening commutes, and holding back economic growth. In their latest report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave my own home State's roads and transit a D-minus. Sadly, Pennsylvania has the largest number of crumbling bridges in our Nation, at over 5,000. This is simply unacceptable. With the highway trust fund running out of funds, we must act to ensure that important projects continue, that workers stay on the job, and that we do not fall further behind. But the bill before us is a temporary fix. Instead, this Congress should act on a robust transportation bill--not for a few months, but for years--a plan that will not only create jobs now but will help ensure our economic competitiveness and economic growth locally and nationally for years to come. We should do our job and pass a fully funded 6-year Federal transportation and infrastructure bill this year. Putting this off does not make it easier. It does not build a stronger economy. While necessary, this bill is another missed opportunity by House Republicans who are short on vision, too willing to rely on fiscal gimmicks, and unable to find common ground to get the bill done--and done right.”