[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E608-E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE 
                     TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2020

  Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2, the 
Moving Forward Act. This vital legislation makes critical investments 
in our nation's transportation, upgrades our drinking water and energy 
systems, and builds new hospitals, schools, and homes.
  My constituents in Metro Atlanta know all too well that we have 
fallen behind in building for the future. Every day, we waste time and 
gasoline in some of the worst traffic in America. We have uneven access 
across our region to transit and safe bicycle and pedestrian paths. Our 
schools and water systems struggle to keep up with the demands of our 
time.
  We need something new. Our current system puts good jobs out of 
reach, good homes out of grasp, and good air out of breath. For too 
long, our nation's transportation system prioritized highway expansion 
and exclusionary legacies that result in gentrification and 
displacement. These transportation planning policies contribute to 
racial and socioeconomic disparities in income, health, education, and 
environment. We can and we must do better.
  The bill before us puts our country on the right track. H.R. 2 is a 
model that builds a 21st century transportation and infrastructure 
foundation. It increases funding for transit expansion, highway repair, 
and connectivity in low-income communities. It ensures that drivers, 
passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians can safely use roads. H.R. 2 
also makes a down payment towards leaving a planet that is a little 
cleaner and a little greener for our children.
  I am pleased that H.R. 2 also includes three amendments critical for 
my constituents in Metro Atlanta. The first amendment allows Federal 
funds to build noise barriers that protect older neighborhoods from 
highway noise. In my district, many communities predate the interstate 
system. Over time, these highways became wider, busier, and louder, and 
the trees that kept the sounds down have worn thin. Residents are sick 
and tired of the noise and want some peace and quiet. My no-cost 
amendment will improve quality of life in frustrated communities across 
America.
  The bill also includes my proposal about disputed changes in airport 
ownership. This amendment enacts current rules which maintain the 
Federal government's neutrality on these sensitive local matters. This 
common-sense policy provides certainty for passengers, airlines, 
concessionaires, and airport employees.
  Finally, I am proud to co-sponsor an effort led by my friend, Ms. 
Napolitano of California. Our amendment overturns a Federal rule on 
sales taxes that uniquely affects Clayton County in my district. It 
would recover $24 million per year for the county, its cities, and the 
Clayton County Public Schools.
  When I first came to Congress, I joined what was then the House 
Public Works and Transportation Committee to work on many of these 
issues, and I am proud to continue to

[[Page E609]]

address transportation equity on the House Ways and Means Committee. 
For these reasons, I would like to thank Chairman Peter DeFazio and his 
staff for helping me secure these priorities in H.R. 2 will continue to 
work with my colleagues to enact these common-sense policies into law.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. It reminds us that we do not have 
to endure exhausting commutes, leaky pipes, or outdated schools. It 
offers hope for a better, fairer, more vibrant future for our families 
and communities.
  I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 2 and urge the Senate to 
pass it without delay. The American people cannot afford to wait any 
longer for relief.

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