Transportation

Issue Position

Transportation is how we move. It's how we get to and from work. It's how local businesses ship their goods to the world market. Arguably more than any other issue, transportation and infrastructure have an every-day impact on our lives. It is critically important that we make smart investments in a 21st century infrastructure system that allows communities to grow and businesses to prosper.

A 21st Century Infrastructure System

On June 29, 2012 the House passed, with my support, H.R. 4348, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act by a vote of 373-52. The bill reauthorizes federal-aid highway programs for two years. While I would have liked to see a stronger commitment to developing our infrastructure at home, I am pleased that Congress passed a surface transportation bill that will support job growth through infrastructure investments. Smart, cost-effective infrastructure investments provide tremendous long-term economic benefits. Investing these funds to revamp our roads and bridges will create jobs at a time when many highly-skilled construction workers are out of work.

In 2014, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will work to reauthorize MAP-21. I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a long-term bill that gives communities and businesses the stability and support they need to grow. As we work to develop the next transportation bill, I will work with local, state and business leaders to make sure this bill addresses the needs of southern Minnesota.

High-Speed Rail

I am a strong supporter of federal investment in high speed passenger rail because I believe it makes good economic sense. High speed rail projects create American jobs in the near term, and promote economic growth in the long term by connecting people and businesses. At the same time, because rail is so fuel efficient, expanding high speed rail can help reduce carbon emissions and our dependence on foreign oil imports.

Investing in rail, however, only make sense if Americans will use it. Which is why support from local communities and state governments are so important when driving high-speed rail projects. That is also why I believe that every decision we make to invest taxpayer dollars in rail projects must be supported by empirical data on projected ridership.

Recently, I joined a number of my colleagues in the House and Senate to establish a Congressional High Speed Rail Caucus. As co-chair of this caucus, I will continue to advocate for data-driven investment in the future of America's transportation system and our economy.

Source