Political Quotes

“in October of last year I spoke to the Senate about a specific part of the Transportation appropriations, and that was the earmarking of intelligent transportation systems, or ITS, funds. At that time I expressed my concern that intelligent transportation funds had been earmarked over the last several appropriations cycles, and that earmarking was inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of the underlying legislation which authorized ITS funds which was TEA-21, the current Surface Transportation Act. The Surface Transportation Act clearly stated the money was to be allocated on a competitive solicitation process overseen by the Secretary of Transportation. I discussed this in the last few months with both Senator Murray and Senator Shelby, and raised my concerns. Therefore, I am pleased to say that, while there are still earmarks of ITS funds in this legislation, they, in my opinion, are noticeably less onerous than those earmarks to which I objected last October. I thank Senator Murray and Senator Shelby for their efforts in that direction.”