[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 53 (Friday, March 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION ACT OF 2012

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2012

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, the bill on the Floor today is not the 
bill we should be debating. Rather than extending surface 
transportation law for the ninth time, we should vote on the Senate-
passed, bipartisan MAP 21 bill, which has been introduced in the House 
as H.R. 14.
  This debate is yet another example of the Republican Majority's 
absolute refusal to compromise--even with Senators in their own party. 
They have spent six weeks arguing internally about this legislation. 
They have refused to work across the aisle. And this week they have 
waited until Thursday, two days before the surface transportation law 
expires, to hold a vote on this issue.
  This is not a time for games. We should be voting today on 
legislation to invest in critical infrastructure projects and support 
1.8 million jobs nationwide. We should send legislation to the 
President to ensure a strong construction season for an industry facing 
17.1 percent unemployment. Instead, the Republican Leadership insists 
on further delay.

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