The DeGette Report

Statement

Dear Friends:

As anyone who has driven on I-25 or sat in rush hour traffic in downtown Denver knows, our region faces a real transportation crunch. Congestion has dramatically increased over the past few years, costing us time and money in delays, wasted gas, lost time and frustration. T-Rex was planned to reduce this congestion in the Denver area through new light rail and highway expansion and improvements. In the areas where work is complete, it already has.

Unfortunately, funding for the remainder of T-Rex as well as other transportation projects across the nation is now being held hostage by politics and an abuse of the legislative process. This week, I joined other Democrats in the House in an effort to end this hostage situation by restoring 2005 funding for these critical transportation programs. Republicans defeated this proposal.

We in Congress now find ourselves in the unique situation where a Republican-controlled House, a Republican-controlled Senate and a Republican-controlled White House cannot agree on how much money to spend on our nation's transportation system. Because of this disagreement, Republicans in the House have decided not to fund any road or mass transit project, including T-Rex. This showdown is taking place even as traffic congestion on I-25, I-70 and roads across our country increases and demands for new or improved roads and mass transit quickly outpaces our ability to provide it. Unless the Republicans end their internal feud, many states will be forced to borrow money or delay construction to make up the funding, ultimately costing taxpayers.

I will always fight to put the interests of the 1st District and the nation ahead of partisan political wrangling. We need real solutions to reduce congestion in the Denver area, not posturing. That's why I worked to restore transportation funding this week and will continue to do so until this standoff ends.

Warmest Regards,

Diana

Source