This just in….
Chairman Mica Statement on Democrat Attacks on Reauthorization Proposal
Washington, DC – Transportation Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL) released the following statement in response to Democrat attacks on an outline presented last week by Committee leaders to reauthorize federal transportation programs:
“It is disappointing and sad that some Democrats have launched a personal and partisan attack on the Republican proposal for a six-year transportation reauthorization.
“The outline responsibly presents how we can dramatically leverage Highway Trust Fund dollars within the current spending rules and restrictions imposed by the House-adopted budget.
“Nearly every proposal detailed in the preliminary outline was adopted with input gathered during bipartisan hearings and meetings across the country. The Committee conducted an unprecedented number of nationwide listening sessions, including hearings in the Ranking Member’s district and a bicameral, bipartisan hearing in Los Angeles, not to mention numerous hearings in our nation’s capital.
“Anyone who takes time to evaluate the proposals outlined will realize that they can ensure that even more transportation projects will move forward, the Trust Fund will be preserved, and significant job creation over a six-year period will result.
“It is disappointing that some have taken such an unproductive approach to such an important matter, even before participating in preparing final draft language to present as a committee.
“Even though there may be disagreement at this time, for the sake of our nation we must act in a positive manner to move this legislation forward as soon as possible.”
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May I be the first to call shenanigans on Rep. Mica.
“Even though there may be disagreement at this time, for the sake of our nation we must act in a positive manner to move this legislation forward as soon as possible.” – Contemporary Republicans have the biggest transference complex in history.
By his remarks posted here, Transportation Committee Chairman John L. Mica seems to be a master of sound and fury, while strategically avoiding specifics.
He’s quoted saying “… even more transportation projects will move forward…”. Where roads are concerned, in his mind, what do ‘transportation projects’ likely mean? Since it seems he declines to say, we’ve go to guess.
Bigger, wider roads dedicated nearly exclusively to motor vehicle use is what he’s probably thinking of. 30-40 years ago, many people, including quite a few politicians, already knew that particular prioritization of road transportation projects was a dead end. Mica hasn’t seemed to have figured that out yet, or maybe he has, and despite the sobering reality, is just currying conservative constituent favor for the next election, hoping that the dead in the water Republican party can get going again.