[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING PROGRAMS

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                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2013

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, this reckless and irresponsible 
shutdown that has been masterminded by a small faction of the House is 
disruptive for our nation's transportation system and for the programs 
that support our most vulnerable citizens.
  The majority has taken to moving bills that will provide piecemeal 
programs within the federal government. These bills leave out funding 
for critical transportation and housing programs that are vital to our 
economy.
  For example, there are no funds for the Federal Transit 
Administration's capital investment grant program to build and expand 
mass transit systems across our nation. This is the program that helps 
create construction jobs and relieves congestion in our major cities. 
Operating and capital assistance for Amtrak is discontinued at a time 
when more than 30 million passengers rely on Amtrak to get to 
destinations all over the country. And finally, there is no funding to 
continue the important safety and capital investments for the Metro 
system that serves millions of Americans in our nation's capital.
  With regard to safety, there is no funding to put more than 3,100 
aviation safety inspectors back on the job. These men and women are 
sitting at home because they have been furloughed through this 
shutdown. Likewise, there is no funding for the important vehicle 
safety oversight functions of the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration.
  In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration's program to 
modernize our nation's aging air traffic control system has come to a 
grinding halt.
  The Maritime Security Program gets no relief in this piecemeal 
approach. This program provides vital support by helping move the cargo 
that is necessary to support our national defense efforts overseas.
  The piecemeal approach puts millions of dollars in construction 
projects at risk and undermines job creation in the construction sector 
by not including funding to process multifamily housing mortgages.
  It puts our children at risk of lead poisoning by not funding Lead 
Abatement Grants.
  It also weakens economic development in our communities by not 
including funding for Community Development Block Grants.

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