This week, the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives adopted a new set of rules for the way the House runs—rules which threaten to undermine funding for our nation’s critical infrastructure needs. Under these rules, the new Republican majority will enact a draconian budget without a single hearing, without any input from the Budget Committee, without any outreach to Congressional Democrats, and without a direct vote by the House of Representatives. Merely by entering a statement into the record, the Budget Chairman can subject all spending beyond whatever levels he deems appropriate to a point of order. This level of concentrated authority runs contrary to the premise of transparency that Republicans campaigned on, and, given its disregard for scrutiny, runs the risk of greatly damaging our infrastructure, our economy and the welfare of millions...At a time when the need to invest in our communities is higher than ever, these rules will make it possible for the Republican Congress to decrease our investment in infrastructure, undermining efforts to rebuild and renew communities across the country...our needs are greater than ever, and individuals and organizations across the country are calling on Congress to upgrade our nation’s roads, bridges, and transit systems...limiting our options—as these Rules do—is shortsighted and foolhardy.
Spain Opens New High-Speed Rail, Now Best in Europe
"A Powerful Argument for U.S. High-Speed Rail"
