Conference Report on H.R. 3058, Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent...
CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3058, TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, THE JUDICIARY, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2005
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Conference Report on Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations for fiscal year 2006.
This legislation provides $60.7 billion to fund the Transportation Department and improve America's transportation infrastructure. I was especially pleased this legislation included $2 million for Central Corridor, an eleven-mile transit corridor that will run from St. Paul to Minneapolis along University Avenue. Building Central Corridor is vital to keeping the Twin Cities competitive in the 21st Century.
The conference report provides $1.3 billion in funding to Amtrak. Maintaining a strong and healthy rail system in America is necessary to reduce our dependency on automotive transportation, reduce ozone emissions, and combat smog in our cities. Furthermore, high-speed rail provides convenience and mobility to travelers, while creating new jobs and economic growth. A diversified transportation system including Amtrak is critical to our Nation's future.
The report also includes $300,000 to address the problem of homelessness among youth, which is a symptom of a larger problem in our community. For many youth, their home situation is violent and unhealthy. These young adults need our partnership, and this funding will help provide the support and opportunity they need to get their lives back on track.
Recognizing the need for every American to have access to affordable housing, this bill funds affordable housing programs above the President's request. Unfortunately, in this Republican bill, funding for critical housing programs, such as Section 8 vouchers, is still not adequate to address the affordable housing crisis occurring in communities in the Fourth District of Minnesota and across the country. The lack of affordable housing is a serious problem for too many Americans, young and old, who are trying to live on less than a living wage. In order to excel at school, hold down a steady job, stay active and healthy, and contribute to our communities, Americans must have access to safe and affordable housing.
For these reasons, I support this bill and encourage my colleagues to vote for this legislation.
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