Political Quotes

“I thank my friend. Mr. Chairman, I sympathize deeply with the concerns expressed by my friend and colleague from Florida (Mr. Mica), and I know Metro is committed to working with the wireless carriers to ensure seamless coverage throughout the rail system. I appreciate his willingness ultimately to withdraw the amendment so as not to jeopardize other vital safety improvements underway at Metro by conditioning the Federal commitment, which has already been reduced and which is matched by our State and local partners, on completion of this wireless upgrade. Without question, the January arcing incident at L'Enfant Plaza underscored the urgent need for having working communications in Metro's underground stations and tunnels. While faulty electrical wiring was to blame for the fire and hazardous smoke, a breakdown in communications, as Mr. Mica has indicated, led to passengers being stranded in dangerous conditions aboard that Yellow Line train for an extended period of time. It wasn't just public safety personnel who experienced problems communicating. Stranded riders also reported having spotty or no cellular service in the tunnel.”