Political Quotes

“on another issue, I rise to briefly address an issue that is of critical importance to Tennessee, to the region around Tennessee, and to economic development. Every year, millions of tons of cargo pass through Chickamauga Lock in my home State of Tennessee. This critical structure is the commercial gateway to more than 300 miles of navigable waterways that serve 16 States in the region. Workers, small business owners, and communities all across that region depend on the lock to work smoothly every day, around the clock. But all of this is at risk. All of this is in danger. After 65 years, Chickamauga Lock needs to be replaced. It is being destroyed by a chemical reaction known as ``concrete growth.'' The lock is crumbling and engineering experts tell us that it is only a matter of time before the lock fails, and we cannot let that happen. That is why I want to draw attention to the President's request today, which came out in the budget, to fund continued construction of the new lock. It is the first White House budget proposal to contain construction funding since Congress authorized that new lock in 2003. I thank the President for his attention to this pressing issue. I have held countless conversations with the administration on the importance of constructing the new lock, and I appreciate the President and the administration taking this bold action. America's transportation system is the lifeblood of our economy.…”