[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17338]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             INFRASTRUCTURE

  (Mrs. LAWRENCE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, for the sake of my constituents and the 
many communities with crumbling roads and bridges around this Nation, I 
am happy that we finally have a bipartisan transportation bill to work 
with.
  For the record, I still believe that we need a full, 6-year plan.
  Today, I have an amendment that will modify section 3021 of the 
Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act. My amendment 
will examine the ability of seniors and people with disabilities to 
access public transportation and require the council to report to 
Congress on their findings with recommendations.
  One-half of Americans 65 and older do not have access to public 
transportation. Those in rural areas and small towns are particularly 
affected because transportation options are limited. Seniors continue 
to drive as long as possible because they are unaware or do not believe 
they have alternative means of transportation. Seniors limit their 
driving or stop driving altogether because of functional disabilities.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Lawrence amendment when it comes 
to the floor. Seniors and people with disabilities need to maintain 
their independence.

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