[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E612-E613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my support 
for the 7th annual Infrastructure Week, which runs May 13 through 20. 
America's businesses, workers, citizens, and elected leaders from all 
levels of government are all united around one message: America's 
future will be shaped by the infrastructure choices we make today.
  In the 116th Congress, my fellow Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee colleagues and I are working across the aisle to achieve key 
objectives for the people, including creating and sustaining family-
wage jobs, improving the daily lives of Americans, preserving and 
protecting our environment, building sustainable and resilient 
communities, and ensuring U.S. economic competitiveness.
  Specifically, in my home state of Texas, we have worked to establish 
milestones such as laying the groundwork for the Texas Central high-
speed passenger rail line, which will connect the fourth and fifth 
largest economies in the country in less than 90 minutes. In Dallas, 
there are currently over $2 billion dollars in active highway projects 
and an additional $1.5 billion in design-build projects. In 
Congressional District 30 alone, there are $1 billion dollars' worth of 
projects under construction. Other investments include a new 26-mile 
regional transit passenger rail line, an airport runway realignment 
project, and expansions of one of the largest inland ports as well as 
major interstates and highways. These efforts have contributed to a 
$70-billion-dollar economic impact and nearly 67,000 jobs.
  While we are focused on the need for sustainable infrastructure, we 
must also highlight

[[Page E613]]

the need for diversity and inclusion as well. We must recognize the 
importance of having individuals with various backgrounds at the table, 
creating innovative solutions to address new transportation needs that 
truly help all communities. Programs such as the U.S. Department of 
Transportation's Women & Girls in Transportation Initiative (WITI) or 
the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program 
are great opportunities to foster an inclusive environment that 
encourages, supports, and celebrates our similarities and differences.
  Above all, Infrastructure Week highlights the apparent need for 
investment. Our nation's infrastructure is crumbling, and we can't wait 
another day to act. At this critical juncture, it is imperative that 
Congress moves with expediency in addressing these pressing issues, as 
it is essential to the quality of life of our citizens and the vitality 
of our economy

                          ____________________