[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               REAUTHORIZATION OF THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND

  (Mr. AGUILAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, today, Congress was faced with a 22-day 
extension for the reauthorization of the highway trust fund. We have 
been in this situation before, and every time Republican leadership has 
chosen to kick the can down the road.
  Mr. Speaker, it has to end here. This needs to be the last time. If 
Congress is going to take 22 days, then we need to use the time to come 
together and focus on a long-term solution, one that is measured in 
years, not months.
  Our roads, rails, and bridges are the foundation of our economy. They 
transport our goods, get working moms and dads to and from work, and 
they connect our towns and cities to States and to the global economy.
  We cannot afford to gamble with our transportation and 
infrastructure, which Inland Empire families in my area and millions 
throughout the country rely on every day.
  If we are able to do this extension, then let's stop governing by 
crisis. Short-term Band-Aid solutions prevent cities and towns from 
being able to plan and accommodate for future projects.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to come together and take these 22 days to 
put through a responsible, long-term solution so Inland Empire families 
and throughout this Nation have safe and sustainable infrastructure to 
support their growing homes and businesses.

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