Transportation

I believe an effective and economical infrastructure is imperative to the growth of America’s economy. The difficulties facing our transportation system are significant taking into account our present financial challenges. However, I believe it is achievable to develop a system in which we can efficiently improve rural and urban transportation passageways across the United States by making careful and effective choices regarding how our limited funding is spent. Essentially, we need to fix our current system in order to more resourcefully meet the changing transportation needs in our country.

I also believe that we need to strongly consider the funds we allocate to federal transportation in the 113th Congress and encourage a shift that allows states to have greater responsibility to focus on local transportation issues. This way, Congress will have the opportunity to change the program to a more cost-effective system and eliminate the wasteful spending on programs that clutter the system. This way, states can use the allocated funds in a more resourceful manner to meet their own priorities, not those determined in Washington.

For these reasons, I have previously opposed California’s high-speed rail project. I am concerned that this a poor investment for the American people considering the tens of billions in capital costs, the government subsidies necessary to cover operating expenses and maintain the lines, and unproven benefits. The unfortunate reality is that both the state and federal government have significant budget problems. Our economy cannot afford the funding requirements and long term costs the high speed railroad would entail. 

As a member of Congress, I will support advancing reasonable and economically smart legislation that will better our current transportation system while simultaneously reducing ineffective government regulations.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.