On the recordSeptember 13, 2011
I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for their efforts to pass this clean extension of both our surface and air transportation programs. Working in a bipartisan fashion, we can avoid the previous clashes and political theatrics that forced 4,000 FAA employees and more than 70,000 construction workers off the job for two weeks without pay. Our nation's transportation infrastructure is the backbone of our economy, and we must ensure our ability to move people and goods if we are to grow the economy and create jobs. I know the Chairman and Ranking Member share my disappointment that we are not yet providing back pay for those FAA employees who were furloughed. As you know, I am a cosponsor of Congressman LoBiondo's bipartisan legislation to make those employees whole. They were innocent victims of our inaction, and we should restore those lost wages immediately.
