[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E555-E556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE AND INNOVATION ACT FOR AIRPORTS

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                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the ``Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for Airports,'' with U.S. 
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). I want to thank Representatives Brian 
Babin (R-TX36), Coner Lamb (D-PA 17), Julia Brownley (D-CA26), and Adam 
B. Schiff (D-CA28) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for their support as 
original cosponsors.
  The country that invented air travel should not have to look to other 
countries' airports with envy. Congress must invest in modernizing our 
nation's airports to better meet the traveling public's needs and 
address public health concerns like coronavirus. Now more than ever, 
Americans deserve airports that are as efficient, safe, and clean as 
possible.
  In its most recent annual report card, the American Society of Civil 
Engineers gave our nation's airports and related civilian aviation 
infrastructure a ``D+'' grade, requiring more than in $237 billion in 
total capital improvements over the next 10 years. The ``Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for Airports'' is a good 
first step, unlocking approximately $2 billion in federal financing 
available as of fiscal year 2020 for airport modernization projects, 
including climate resilience projects.
  Roadway and transit projects eligible under the Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) are already subject 
to ``Buy America'' requirements. Our bicameral, bipartisan bill for 
this Congress incorporates the key provision from my ``TIFIA for 
Airports

[[Page E556]]

Act'' (H.R. 7523) last Congress applying the very same ``Buy America'' 
requirements for FAA Airport Improvement Grants (49 USC 50101) to any 
airport project financed under TIFIA.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all members to cosponsor the ``Transportation 
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for Airports.'' As a member 
of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I plan to 
make this a major priority in my work.

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