Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise today to speak in support of the Transportation reauthorization bill that is currently before the Senate. It is called the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, so we call it by its acronym, MAP 21. It is a critical piece of legislation that will put Americans back to work and lay the foundation for future economic growth. Our transportation infrastructure has long been at the heart of America's success, from the transcontinental railroad to the interstate highway. Yet, across the country, the infrastructure that helped build our great economy has been allowed to fall into disrepair. For evidence of our Nation's crumbling infrastructure, one need look no further than my home State of Rhode Island. Anyone who drives to work or school in our State sees the problems--bridges that are subject to weight restrictions, highways with lane closures, and roads everywhere marked with potholes. Only one-third of our highway miles are rated in fair or good condition; the majority are poor or mediocre. According to a recent report, one in five bridges in Rhode Island is structurally deficient--the fourth highest figure for any State. You look nationwide, and the picture does not improve. The American Society of Civil Engineers rates our national transportation systems as near failing. They give our roads and highways a D-minus, our bridges a C, our freight and passenger rail a C-minus, and our transit systems a D.…”