[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2354) making 
     appropriations for energy and water development and related 
     agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and 
     for other purposes:

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chair, today I rise in opposition to the H.R. 2354, 
the Fiscal Year 2012 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill. In 
particular, I oppose the provisions of this legislation that would 
rescind all remaining unobligated high-speed rail American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act funds. The rescission would eliminate rail funding for 
the high-speed Chicago to Detroit line, eliminate thousands of jobs, 
and provide fewer travel options for my constituents.
  Well over $492 million is cut from three projects, which are critical 
components of this high speed rail line. Even worse, these cuts would 
eliminate more than 13,000 jobs in a community where good paying jobs 
are few and far between.
  High speed rail would give my constituents a viable and green 
commuting option in the Midwest. Having the ability to travel from 
Detroit to Chicago with the speed of a plane flight would open the 
doors to new business investments in the Metro Detroit area and connect 
major markets in the Midwest. It would be a win-win for consumers and 
business.
  Mr. Chair, it is appalling that this body seems to lack the courage 
to strive for greatness for America.
  Franklin Coolidge had that courage. He worked with Congress to create 
the Hoover Dam.
  Dwight Eisenhower had that courage. He worked with Congress to create 
the National Highway System.
  John Kennedy had that courage. He and Congress sent our country to 
the moon.
  Where is this body's courage? Where is the belief that America can 
still do and build great things? Do we still have the desire to be the 
best, or will we let China lead the way on when it comes to 
manufacturing and high speed rail in the 21st Century?
  I for one believe America can, and must, be a leader when it comes to 
investing in our country's economic future. I urge my colleagues to 
reject this defeatist bill and embrace a 21st century transit system.

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