Surface Transportation Earmark Rescission, Savings, and Accountability Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I thank my colleague for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, while I support the overall intent of H.R. 5730, it appears that this bill also moves a political agenda, and, therefore, I rise in opposition.
Section 3 of the bill includes a repeal of Corridor 0-1 on the Appalachian Highway system located in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District--my district. While H.R. 5730 aims to rescind unspent funds, there are simply no authorized funds associated with the 0-1 Corridor.
I have come to this floor on several occasions to speak in favor of deficit reduction. Section 3 of this bill does nothing to lessen the deficit.
Last month we lost a champion of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Senator Byrd. Senator Byrd was instrumental in capping the available miles in the Appalachian system. Section 3 is a feeble attempt to skirt that cap in hopes of moving this project to another district in the future.
Federal law provides metropolitan planning organizations with a role in the coordination of transportation improvements. I've received letters of opposition from planning organizations, and I quote: ``The ARC has indicated that completion of the system is a top priority.''
Investment in the 0-1 Corridor has already occurred. In 2004, preliminary engineering was done. In 2006 and 2010, the project was added to the long-range plan. The planning organization actions indicate that it will advance the project when sufficient funds are available, and the current legislation enhances that possibility.
This scramble is nothing more than a political payout and a key sign of what is wrong in Washington. Repealing the Corridor 0-1 designation would impede critical safety improvements and puts the future of infrastructure development of Centre and Clearfield Counties in jeopardy.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in opposition of this flawed measure.
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