Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 -- (House of Representatives - July 23, 2009)

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Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment.

I thank Chairman Obey and Olver for including $4 billion in this bill to create a 21st Century passenger rail system that will strengthen the economy by creating jobs, reducing congestion and improving mobility on our nation's highways.

For every $1 billion invested in transportation, 35,000 jobs are created. With our economy suffering from one of the worst recessions in memory, this is the type of growth we should be promoting.

This money will help fund projects like the Chicago-Quad Cities-Iowa City passenger rail line near my home town. This plan will benefit businesses, leisure, and commuter travel, as well as positively impact regional commerce. In the Quad Cities alone, this project is estimated to create nearly 825 jobs and increase household income by almost $16 million.

The amendment before us slashes funding for high-speed and intercity passenger rail and prohibits the transfer of monies to a National Infrastructure Bank to fund the future modernization of our nation's road and rail systems. This will thwart economic growth by killing future jobs.

I strongly urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and instead, support growing our economy, improving mobility, and protecting the environment.

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