Rick Larsen

Investment in the U.S. maritime industry is long overdue.

I want to commend Admiral Phillips and MARAD for their work in awarding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding as well.

America's economic competitors are investing in EVs. The United States cannot take a back seat in this race.

Fleet electrification is not only good for the climate; it is critical to enhancing the nation's economic competitiveness.

Without continued Federal support and action, the U.S. risks falling further behind our competitors in a crucial industry.

I, too, want to take a brief opportunity to express sadness at the loss of my friend and colleague, Don Payne, Jr.

I would like to close by reiterating my strong opposition to H.R. 7526, the D.C. Consumer Vehicle Choice Protection Act, which would repeal the District of Columbia's regulation adopting Advanced Clean Cars 2.

Congress pays for it, for the air system, but it is forcing private railways to pay for the rail system.

Where are we with PTC? We have PTC. How many of you are petitioning to increase speeds on your lines, now that you have adopted PTC?

I am grateful for Mr. Yakym, actually, because he was, I think, the only Member to discuss actually increasing speeds, which Mr. Noland is accomplishing on his system.

Transit agencies, Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit Administration are implementing long-term plans for passenger rail expansion and improvement, secure in the knowledge that funding is there for five…

The BIL guaranteed multi-year funding for state of good repair investments and corridor development for intercity and commuter passenger rail.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) supercharged our nation's investment in passenger rail, providing $102 billion in planned funding for intercity rail and $108 billion for transit agencies.

Providing steady funding for intercity passenger rail will allow States and communities the certainty they need to plan and deliver more and better passenger rail service.

The BIL supercharged our Nation's investment in passenger rail, providing $102 billion in planned funding for intercity rail and $108 billion for transit agencies.

There is none bigger than funding.

Our Tribes deserve safe roads that their families can enjoy, and roads that can safely transport goods across our State.

You mentioned a challenge, or maybe you didn't see it as a challenge, but the service you provide for folks who are disabled or homebound.

We thank Representative Larsen for that.

Rural communities play a crucial role in our economy.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping rural communities respond to these challenges.

Transit allows them to save money. And these are the people that work, for instance, at Walmart.

These realities highlight the quality of life, economic development, safety, and mobility benefits we can achieve through investments in rural areas.

Rural communities have unique mobility needs. Residents in rural counties are aging.

Today's hearing focuses on rural transportation and the unique experience, needs, and challenges of rural communities that our infrastructure investments must address.