[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE FAST ACT (H.R. 22)

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2015

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, after years of unnecessary delays and 
short term patches, I am pleased that Congress has finally passed a 
long term surface transportation bill that addresses the needs of our 
nation's crumbling infrastructure.
  The FAST Act (H.R. 22) provides $281 billion for highway, transit, 
and highway safety programs. This is $26.8 billion above fiscal year 
2015 levels and $12.8 billion above what would have been allocated in 
the earlier House-passed version of the bill. For Minnesotans, this 
means a 5% increase in federal highway funding and an 8% increase for 
transit support.
  H.R. 22 establishes two new initiatives that will provide dedicated 
federal funding specifically targeted at reducing freight bottlenecks 
around the country. This legislation promotes safety by boosting 
funding for railway-highway grade crossings, motor carrier safety 
grants, and includes $200 million to help commuter railroads implement 
Positive Train Control. The FAST Act also reauthorizes the Ex-Im Bank, 
which aids small to medium-sized businesses in attracting new customers 
and provide critical resources necessary to export goods and services 
around the globe.
  While I am disappointed that some of the funding levels in the 
conference agreement are not as robust as I would like, I recognize the 
importance of giving federal, state and local planners and contractors 
the long-term stability and resources necessary to repair our highways 
and bridges, prioritize rail, and pipeline safety, and grow our transit 
infrastructure as a whole. This is a significant accomplishment, and 
shows that it is possible for this Congress to work together in a 
bipartisan manner.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and 
continuing to invest in American infrastructure.

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