[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 157 (Thursday, December 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3058, TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND 
    URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND 
             INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
Conference Report on Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations for 
fiscal year 2006.
  This legislation provides $60.7 billion to fund the Transportation 
Department and improve America's transportation infrastructure. I was 
especially pleased this legislation included $2 million for Central 
Corridor, an eleven-mile transit corridor that will run from St. Paul 
to Minneapolis along University Avenue. Building Central Corridor is 
vital to keeping the Twin Cities competitive in the 21st Century.
  The conference report provides $1.3 billion in funding to Amtrak. 
Maintaining a strong and healthy rail system in America is necessary to 
reduce our dependency on automotive transportation, reduce ozone 
emissions, and combat smog in our cities. Furthermore, high-speed rail 
provides convenience and mobility to travelers, while creating new jobs 
and economic growth. A diversified transportation system including 
Amtrak is critical to our Nation's future.
  The report also includes $300,000 to address the problem of 
homelessness among youth, which is a symptom of a larger problem in our 
community. For many youth, their home situation is violent and 
unhealthy. These young adults need our partnership, and this funding 
will help provide the support and opportunity they need to get their 
lives back on track.
  Recognizing the need for every American to have access to affordable 
housing, this bill funds affordable housing programs above the 
President's request. Unfortunately, in this Republican bill, funding 
for critical housing programs, such as Section 8 vouchers, is still not 
adequate to address the affordable housing crisis occurring in 
communities in the Fourth District of Minnesota and across the country. 
The lack of affordable housing is a serious problem for too many 
Americans, young and old, who are trying to live on less than a living 
wage. In order to excel at school, hold down a steady job, stay active 
and healthy, and contribute to our communities, Americans must have 
access to safe and affordable housing.
  For these reasons, I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to 
vote for this legislation.

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