Patty Murray: “I am pleased to fund the Surface Transportation Board. I agree with my colleague from California that this agency needs…”

“I am pleased to fund the Surface Transportation Board. I agree with my colleague from California that this agency needs funding in order to comply with its governing statute, which directs the Board to support the growth of rail in the United States. I share your concern that some opponents of a single project in California are trying to limit the ability of the Surface Transportation Board to operate under its statute. The appropriations bill before us provides the Surface Transportation Board with the resources necessary to facilitate California high-speed rail, not stand in its way. This bill in no way limits the ability of the Board to oversee projects under its jurisdiction and facilitate their construction.”