Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the senior Northeastern Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, spoke in support of H.R. 2112, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011, which directs funding toward transportation, housing, and various social service programs.

“I am dismayed that the House Republican Leadership continues to act in such a divisive manner, clearly placing political considerations ahead of policy imperatives for our nation.  What our nation needs now, more than ever, is bold and comprehensive investment in our nation’s aging and inadequate transportation infrastructure.  This is a necessity not only for upgrading our flagging infrastructure and remaining competitive in the global economy, but also, critically, for creating jobs and economic development at a time when Americans need them most.

“Although there are many details yet to be revealed, it is clear that the GOP proposal for transportation reauthorization will be highly partisan and unacceptable to many Democrats.  It is particularly upsetting given that, just last week, the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee passed a reauthorization bill with broad bipartisan support.  The Senate bill might not be perfect – it is only for two years, instead of the six year bill we would like to pass – but it is a good place to start.  We should instead build on the bipartisan progress made in the Senate – not revert to partisan measures with anti-environmental poison pills that are unlikely to become law.  I hope Republicans commit to working with Democrats to identify a revenue source to fund a long-term, robust bill that we can all support.”

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