The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“JOB CREATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF ACT OF 2008” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2137 on Sept. 28, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
JOB CREATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF ACT OF 2008
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speech of
HON. MARK UDALL
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 26, 2008
Mr. UDALL of Colorado. I rise in support of H.R. 7110, the Job Creation and Unemployment Relief Act.
While I have reservations about any bill that relies on deficit spending, I think the long-term benefits this bill will have for the American economy outweigh those reservations. I am, however, very disappointed with the minority's objection to an amendment that would have included funding for the Secure Rural Schools program in this bill.
H.R. 7110 will help stimulate the American economy by creating jobs, and will update the Nation's rapidly deteriorating infrastructure. Nationwide, 84,000 Americans have lost their jobs within the last month, and more than 600,000 Americans have lost their jobs within the last month, and more than 600,000 Americans have lost their jobs throughout the year. In my home state of Colorado, more than 19,000 Coloradans have lost their jobs within the last year.
This bill will put Coloradans to work, rebuilding our roads, expanding our public transportation, investing in our water infrastructure, and fixing our schools. The Colorado Department of Transportation, CDOT, recently weighed down by a combination of deteriorating infrastructure and shrinking resources, will receive more than $200 million in direct funding that will be put to use quickly and efficiently, and which will immediately help local economies. Colorado will be eligible for further funding for its public transit agencies.
This bill will also provide assistance for those who need help getting back on their feet after being wiped out by the current state of our economy. H.R. 7110 will extend unemployment benefits for up to 12,000 unemployed Coloradans, and fund job training programs to help them find work. And for those struggling to put food on the table, this bill will provide additional food stamps, and will help maintain the health of struggling Coloradans by increasing Medicaid assistance.
As a national leader in the development of clean, renewable energy, Colorado stands to benefit greatly from the resources dedicated in this bill to advance such technologies. This bill will further help lead this nation into an era of energy independence by investing in the manufacture of advanced vehicle batteries and battery systems--a key component to developing a new fleet of fuel efficient cars.
Simply put, this bill is an investment in America--her people, her ingenuity, and her future. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.
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