Political Quotes

“last week the House Subcommittee on Transportation of the Committee on Appropriations and Related Agencies kicked off its hearings on the fiscal year 1998 transportation appropriation legislation. For 2 days the subcommittee received testimony from Members of Congress and public witnesses on transportation policy and funding, including issues related to public transportation. Many, many witnesses representing mass transit organizations and properties located across the country stressed the urgent mass transit needs now existing, the greater needs projected for the future, and the need for additional spending for public transportation. Earlier last month the President presented his fiscal year 1998 budget proposals, and the budget request for public transportation falls far short of the needs articulated by the witnesses who testified last week. In fact, the Clinton budget proposes to hold the line on public transportation funding at current spending levels, calling for a reduction of 1 percent from last year's level. Clearly the transportation community is at an important crossroads. Identified mass transit needs far outstrip the President's budget proposals.”