[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 115 (Thursday, July 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E731]
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. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2021

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the INVEST Act.
  This bill represents a substantial investment in American 
infrastructure that will touch every corner of this country .
  It will rebuild crumbling highways and bridges, reduce traffic 
congestion, enhance auto and pedestrian safety, expand transit options, 
help local governments finance their infrastructure and capital needs, 
and commit our nation to clean energy future.
  I want to thank Chairman Defazio and Chairwoman Norton for working 
with me to include in this bill the Metro Accountability and Investment 
Act (H.R. 694), which helps the federal government meet its financial 
obligations to the national capital's transit system.
  The bill increases the existing federal commitment to Metro, provides 
annual operating funds for the first time, and conditions new funding 
on important accountability and ethics reforms that will strengthen the 
role and independence of the WMATA Inspector General.
  I also welcome the reinstatement of the Build American Bonds program, 
a direct subsidy bond program that helps municipalities access 
financing for infrastructure project and which I have previously 
championed with my own legislation.

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