Sheila Jackson Lee: “I just want to conclude by making this point to Mr. Diaz-Balart, and it is that local entities should have the right to…”

“I just want to conclude by making this point to Mr. Diaz-Balart, and it is that local entities should have the right to direct funds where they believe they are most important, particularly for transportation projects. As they do so with Federal dollars, let me also add my support for Davis-Bacon. It is, in essence, completely opposite with what was represented. It is a civil rights bill for all people. I ask my colleagues to join me in making sure the State and local governments get Federal funds. And as we move forward to restore Houston and Harris County and all of the Gulf region, this will be a very important amendment to make sure that we can direct our own destiny with Federal funds. The Secretary of Transportation has that authority to give to us to be able to do so. Mr. Chairman, I ask for support of the Jackson Lee amendment. Mr. Chair, let me thank Subcommittee Chairman Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member Price for their leadership on this important legislation and for the opportunity to explain my amendment. The Jackson Lee Amendment adds at the end of the bill the following new section providing that: Sec.__. None of the funds made available by this Act under the heading ``Federal Transit Administration--Transit Formula Grants'' may be used in contravention of section 5309 of title 49, United States Code. This amendment is identical to the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R.…”