Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this legislation.
I first want to thank Chairman Shuster as well as Ranking Member
DeFazio for their hard work in marking up a meaningful, long-term
transportation bill. It truly is something our country has eagerly
anticipated, and we appreciate both you and your staff's hard work for
giving our country the certainty that is needed on road and rail
projects.

I also want to say I appreciate you including a deadline extension
for the full implementation of positive train control safety
technology. While this technology is vitally important for safety and
many reasons, it has become increasingly clear that our Nation's
passenger and freight railroads are unable to meet the current
deadline.

As a farmer, I can tell you the resulting shutdown our country's
freight network could experience if this deadline is not extended would
have devastating consequences for both our farms and our entire
Nation's economy. I appreciate your swift attention to this issue.
I urge all of my colleagues' support.

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