Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Improving our nation's transportation and infrastructure is vital to our economy. Connecting diverse communities across the nation by roads, railways, bridges, runways and waterways has allowed commerce to thrive. Our products can become more competitive in the world market, and the quality of life in our communities can improve, by modernizing our transportation system with investments such as high speed rail. Illinois, and the 8th Congressional District in particular, are transportation hubs and critically important to businesses and manufacturers in the region.

I serve as the Democratic Ranking Member of the Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee is a new subcommittee in the 114th Congress that has oversight jurisdiction over the Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation Security Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, General Services Administration and federal real property. I believe that the Transportation and Public Assets Subcommittee can play an important role in making our transportation system more safe and efficient, and help our economy grow as a result.

Businesses in the 8th Congressional District need a strong transportation system to send their products across the country. A study recently showed that more than 300 bridges in the Chicago area are structurally deficient. I know we can do better. We need to work toward bipartisan solutions that include long-term investments in infrastructure initiatives because all Americans will benefit from the results, be it an increase in job opportunities or a shorter drive to work. When I met with transportation officials at a roundtable in Hanover Park, they made it clear how important it is to protect transportation jobs in the District.

That's why I advocated for the Elgin-O'Hare Western Access Project, which will extend the Elgin-O'Hare expressway and build a new bypass around the airport. Construction on the project began in October of 2013 and is expected to create 65,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2040 and save drivers $145 million annually in time and fuel costs.

Lastly, I am working with the City of Chicago, local communities and the Federal government, to make sure my neighbors are not unnecessarily burdened by noise from O'Hare International Airport. It is crucial that my constituents have the opportunity to express their opinions about noise coming from O'Hare, and that these complaints are responded to in a timely fashion.

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