[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 4348, SURFACE TRANSPORTATION 
                     EXTENSION ACT OF 2012. PART II

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong opposition to the 
Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 4348 offered by the gentleman from 
Georgia, Mr. Broun. The draconian cuts directed by this motion would 
cripple the Nation's infrastructure and leave hundreds of thousands of 
people unemployed.
  The language of the gentleman's motion is confusing at best. The 
exact amount suggested to be cut differs due to interpretation of the 
word ``funding.'' By limiting the Highway Trust Fund's expenditures in 
FY 2013 to $37.5 billion, the gentleman's motion would essentially 
bankrupt the Fund because $37.5 billion is less than the amount needed 
to reimburse State and public transit agencies for obligations incurred 
in prior fiscal years.
  The Federal Government already owes $38.8 billion for projects that 
were implemented in the previous fiscal year, or are currently under 
construction. If we do not authorize the funds necessary to pay these 
debts, the government will be in default.
  Spending cuts of this magnitude would cut more than 1.6 million jobs 
in a field with more than 2.2 million people already out of work. At 
the beginning of the spring and summer construction season the 
unemployment rate in the industry was at 14.2%, and in May alone jobs 
fell by 28,000. It would be foolish to vote for a motion that will have 
the effect of putting more Americans out of work. That would be the 
result if the Broun Motion were adopted.
  The motion by the gentleman from Georgia ignores the long-term 
underinvestment in our nation's surface transportation. Investments in 
transportation support economic growth, increase productivity and 
enhance America's competitiveness in the global economy.
  A strong national infrastructure is what will bring this country back 
from the recession we are currently fighting through. The Highway 
Transit Fund is essential for not only providing a safe transportation 
network, but creating millions of jobs for hardworking Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I understand that my colleagues and I are working during 
a time of economic constraints, and I understand that we must make 
spending cuts across the board in order to control the debt we have 
accumulated.
  However, this motion is an irresponsible move, and if implemented 
would have disastrous consequences. The Highway Trust Fund would no 
longer have the ability to carry out highway, highway safety and public 
transit projects or activities. This would have long lasting negative 
effects on our nation's infrastructure and economy.
  Mr. Speaker, this motion is bordering on absurd. I cannot believe 
that a member of congress means to drive our nation into default, and 
cripple our infrastructure in the process. I stand before you today to 
ask my colleagues, regardless of their political ideology, to ignore 
the motion put before you. This is what is best for our nation, and our 
economy.

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