[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 115 (Thursday, July 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
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. JAHANA HAYES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 30, 2021

  Mrs. HAYES. Madam Speaker, l rise today to voice my opposition to 
Amendment No. 97/No. 188 of H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act.
  This amendment was included as part of an en bloc which l supported, 
however, I do not support this amendment. During my time in Congress I 
have been an ardent supporter of high-speed rail, building rail 
capacity and improving existing infrastructure in Connecticut, the 
Northeast, and across the country. Unfortunately, I do not believe this 
amendment and the specific compact it seeks to create are the best path 
forward for rail in my state, the region or the country. The INVEST in 
America Act presents us with an opportunity to make a once in a 
generation investment in our transportation systems and infrastructure, 
and in rail in particular. I am concerned that proposals like this take 
away from our ability to implement comprehensive, fully vetted plans, 
that are free of redundancies.
  As we look towards the future of rail in the United States, we must 
be sure that we partner with state and local transit authorities, and 
stakeholders. We must also be sure to consider and mitigate the climate 
and environmental risks that stem from these projects.
  Congress must advance a bold vision for our Nation's infrastructure, 
and I look forward to the INVEST in America Act passing the House. I 
hope the Senate will quickly begin working on this vital issue.

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