[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GROW AMERICA ACT INTRODUCTION

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 19, 2015

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Grow America 
Act, introduced today by Congressman Peter DeFazio. As we prepare to 
vote on yet another short-term extension, it is important to reiterate 
the kind of investment our nation needs to build a 21st century 
transportation system. We cannot continue kicking the can down the road 
as our nation's infrastructure continues to deteriorate.
  It is also clear that we cannot keep flat-funding infrastructure. The 
American Society of Civil Engineers has given our nation's 
infrastructure a D+ grade--we need significant new investment to repair 
structurally-deficient bridges, upgrade transit systems, and rebuild 
roads. The Grow America Act will increase funding for these critical 
needs.
  While I do not agree with all the policy provisions in this Act, and 
believe there are some important ideas that are not included, I am 
proud to add my name as a cosponsor to support critical investment in 
transportation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a 
long-term, comprehensive bill this summer.

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