Eleanor Norton

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that would prohibit Federal funds from being used to permit airline service between midnight and 6 a.m. at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Last month, I held a widely attended community meeting with standing room only on airport airplane noise with residents of Palisades, Foxhall, Georgetown, Hillandale, and other impacted neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. Representatives of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration, and residents sat on a panel while we discussed airplane noise that has completely disrupted the life of this community. Over the last 18 months, D.C. residents have reported an increase in air traffic activity during nighttime and early morning hours, breaking the sleep of children and adults alike. During this time period, one airline added two flights that arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after midnight and three flights that depart before 5 a.m. As of now, there is no congressional prohibition, none whatsoever, on nighttime flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport. Until recent years, however, flights at this airport could not land after 10 p.m. or take off before 7 a.m. My amendment gives airlines greater latitude without introducing continuing sleepless nights for residents. Congress can settle this issue in the Nation's Capital to provide relief to those residents who suffer from airline noise night after night and early morning after early morning. I urge the adoption of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, while I understand the concerns of my friend on the other side of the aisle, and I appreciate the remarks of my friend on this side, I do alert the House to the fact that I am at least speaking from precedent. I understand that all over the United States there are people who may have similar concerns. But remember, we are talking about a jurisdiction which in recent years has had no flights between 10 and 7, and now there are some airlines that have taken advantage of the fact that there are no limit on slots at Reagan National Airport. This is a community in the Nation's Capital that is metropolitan in scope. The Nation's Capital is different from many other communities. I ask the House--and I certainly appreciate the remarks concerning possible privatization of FAA--to bear in mind that it is Congress that is ultimately the arbiter of such concerns. I urge adoption of my amendment and yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, but for sequestration probably most of these housing vouchers would have gone through. They are already cut. These are cuts that were never anticipated. These were sequestration cuts. The Congress cannot ignore forever the neediest people for housing as homelessness increases and as there is no relief whatsoever. I understand the point of order. I can't agree with it. I think at some point this Congress must face what it must do for people who but for sequestration, something none of us wanted, none of us anticipated, would at least among them have some who would have these housing vouchers.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend for yielding and as a cosponsor of this amendment, which has profound safety implications for America's subway. I think it is so urgent that a member of the Appropriations Committee has already restored $25 million. This was a partnership, a partnership between the Federal Government and Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. It became real after there was a crash that took the lives of nine District of Columbia residents in 2009. This is a unique transit agency. This is where staff of this body, this is where visitors from all over the world ride. If this funding is delayed, it will delay the crashworthy 7000-series trains. It is in trains that were not crashworthy that we lost lives. We beg that this funding be restored. The District, Maryland, and Virginia are each fulfilling their part of the partnership. It is up to the Federal Government to do our part and fulfill our part. Don't break the partnership open now.

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 2577, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, that would fully fund the existing Housing Choice Vouchers and replenish the 67,000 vouchers lost to the fiscal year 2013 sequestration. It is difficult, Mr. Chair, to think of a more urgent issue confronting the American people. Affordable housing has reached zero in many communities of our country. It is estimated that 2.1 million low- income families utilize the Housing Choice Voucher program. These are the most vulnerable among us, including children, senior citizens, veterans, and persons with disabilities who rely on this important program to keep their families from becoming homeless. Most families must make roughly $18.92 per hour to afford a two- bedroom apartment, which is more than 2\1/2\ times the Federal minimum wage. In the District of Columbia, where affordable housing has virtually disappeared, families must make $28.25 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment, making the Nation's Capital one of the most expensive housing markets in the Nation. The District mirrors cities and suburbs throughout the country, however. For over a decade, District residents have faced increasing rents, stagnant incomes, and the disappearance of affordable rental units. As a result, the city has had to close--actually close altogether--its housing waiting list, which includes vouchers, leaving more than 72,000 people waiting to be placed and thousands more waiting for a chance even to get on the list. My amendment would fund President Obama's budget request to restore 67,000 vouchers lost during the fiscal year 2013 sequestration, bringing urgently needed relief to struggling families across the country. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. What is Congress here for if not to bring some relief to millions of families across the country, those who are most in need? I reserve the balance of my time. point of order

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Chairman, I would like to be heard.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to a changing era in the District of Columbia. Tonight, at the Columbia Heights Education Campus, CDR Kerwin E. Miller, USNR, Ret., Chair of our District of Columbia Service Academy Selection Board, conducts his last Service Academy College ceremony as Chair for recognition of new appointees to the Service Academies and recruitment of District of Columbia high school students for future years. After 10 distinguished years of service as Chair, CDR Miller passes his baton to David P. Gragan, our current Vice Chair. CDR Miller, a graduate of U.S. Naval Academy Class of '75, joined the Service Academy Selection Board under my predecessor, Walter Fauntroy, in 1986. He has served during my congressional service since 1991 as a board member, as Vice-Chair, and since 2005, as chairman. In those 10 years, CDR Miller has directed his formidable energies toward District of Columbia students, encouraging them to join him on the road leading to the inestimable opportunities afforded by an appointment to one of the five Service Academies of United States. During his service, CDR Miller has been an inspirational figure and a highly effective chair. Not long ago, for example, there were years in which few, if any, students from the D.C. public schools applied for the nominations. As always, we were pleased and proud to have our private and parochial school students. Tonight, D.C. will feast on a more diverse harvest of CDR Miller's leadership as he and I present certificates of appointment to the U.S. Military, U.S. Naval, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Air Force academies to nine D.C. students. Four of our appointees attended D.C. public schools and one attended a D.C. public charter school. When CDR Miller becomes Chairman Emeritus of our Selection Board, he will not ``retire.'' In continued devotion to the Academies and to recruitment of the finest to serve, he will remain on our Service Academy Selection Board, and, in addition, he will work with the academies on an effort to increase Academy nominations from Congressional Black Caucus member districts. He will join with Academy graduates like Pat Locke, the first African-American woman to graduate from West Point, to help advise CBC members concerning recruitment of their constituents to take advantage of the educational and career opportunities offered by the Service Academies. The District of Columbia is very fortunate that CDR Miller has not worked alone. He achieved his success in collaboration with the hard work of the other members of our Selection Board, David P. Gragan, USAFA '77, Vice Chair, Timothy M. Ash, USAFA '00, Lewis D. Baker, USMA '91, Capt Holly D. Childs, USAFR, USAFA '06, Lt Col Patrick Clowney, USAF (Ret), USAFA '94, O.V. Johnson, Daniel J. Keenaghan, USMA '00, George R. Keys, USAFA '70, Past Chairman, Mr. Charles B. King, III, USMA '94, Riaz K. Latifullah USMMA '78, Laila Linares, USMMA '06, Merita Carter, Pierpont Mobley, Ofc. James N. Rimensnyder, DCMP, USMA '05, Prof. Barbara J. Smith, Joel C. Spangenberg, USNA '00, Michael B. Velasquez, USNA '89, and Harry Wingo, USNA '88. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding service of CDR Kerwin E. Miller, in congratulating David Gragan on becoming Chair, and in thanking the members of our D.C. Service Academy Selection Board for their dedication and service to the District of Columbia, to the U.S. Service Academies and to the nation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) on its 40th anniversary of service to the residents of the District of Columbia and the national capital region. Founded in May 1975 by Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly, BDPA was formed out of a concern shared by both men that minorities were not adequately represented in the information technology industry. The first BDPA chapter was organized in Philadelphia, PA in 1977. A year later, the second chapter was organized in Washington, D.C., and shortly thereafter, the third chapter was organized in Cleveland, OH. In 1979, BDPA was restructured as a national organization, and has 45 active chapters across the United States. As the oldest and largest African American information technology (IT) organization, comprised of over 2,000 African-American IT professionals, as well as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) college students, BDPA's vision is to be a powerful advocate for their interests within the global technology industry. Its mission is to be a global, member-focused technology organization that delivers programs and services for the professional wellbeing of its members. BDPA continues to promote professional growth and technical development for young people and those entering into information and communication technology (ICT) in academia and corporate America. We also appreciate BDPA and its 45 chapters for continuing to provide ICT opportunities for STEM students and professionals. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the National Black Data Processing Associates, in congratulating BDPA for its outstanding accomplishments and commitment to the residents of the District of Columbia and around the country, and in welcoming those attending the BDPA Annual National Technology Conference and Career Fair, titled ``Evolution of IT-- Embracing the Digital Future,'' on August 18-22, 2015, at the Washington Hilton Hotel.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the ``Save Our National Parks Transportation Act.'' The bill authorizes $460 million for the National Park Service (NPS) from the Federal Lands Transportation Program for each of fiscal years 2016 to 2021, and establishes the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects program authorized at $150 million each of fiscal years 2016 to 2021. Unlike other infrastructure, NPS roads and bridges rely exclusively on federal funds. These roads and bridges are located in districts across the country, and the needs are spread across most of the 50 States. These roads and bridges are not funded out of state apportionments, and Members may not realize that there are few alternative sources of funds for maintenance and improvements of these assets. Infrastructure in our national parks continues to crumble at an alarming rate, threatening not only our largest and most famous parks, but also the significant revenue that states and localities earn from the presence of national parks and from federal roads and bridges that are essential for daily commerce. Significant investments are needed for roads, bridges, and related transportation infrastructure on NPS land. Under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Map-21), the Federal Lands Transportation Program is funded at $300 million per fiscal year, with NPS receiving $240 million. Yet, NPS has an $11.5 billion maintenance backlog and needs $460 million per year just to maintain the existing condition of its core transportation infrastructure. NPS also has several ``mega-projects'' that are in critical need, but the current annual transportation allocation for NPS does not allow for any progress on these projects. Last week, NPS announced weight restrictions and lane closures on the iconic Arlington Memorial Bridge, spanning the Potomac River between Virginia and the District of Columbia. Memorial Bridge carries more than 68,000 vehicles per day, and it's a critical transportation artery to Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and for the National Capital Region. With a cost of $250 million to replace the bridge, the necessary improvements to this one bridge exceed the entire annual Federal Lands Transportation Program allocation for NPS. There are other large projects across the country that require equally significant investments, including the Tamiami Trail in Florida; the Foothills Parkway project in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee; the Yellowstone National Park Road Reconstruction in Wyoming; and the Water Gap National Recreation Area Road Reconstruction project in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. To address the need to fund these large projects, the bill establishes a Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects program. The authorized funding for the program will be $150 million per year for five years and would cover projects with a minimum cost of $25 million. Under the program, the Federal Land Management Agencies and Indian Tribes are eligible to compete for funding to construct, reconstruct, and rehabilitate nationally significant federal lands and tribal transportation projects. This provision is also included in H.R. 2410, the ``Generating Renewal, Opportunity, and Work with Accelerated Mobility, Efficiency, and Rebuilding of Infrastructure and Communities throughout America Act'' (GROW AMERICA Act), which I have introduced along with my Democratic colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The federal government has a responsibility to maintain the highway and transit assets it owns. Neglect has now reached crisis proportions. This bill is an important step in empowering NPS to fulfill its responsibility. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, we will kick off the fourth season of ``Lunchtime Music on the Mall,'' which brings local and regional musicians to the National Mall to perform during the lunchtime hour, giving visitors and particularly our federal and other office workers downtown a break from the pace of business in Washington and an opportunity to enjoy their National Mall. The performances, featuring amateur and professional city and regional residents, are sponsored by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, the Smithsonian Institution and the National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction with my office. To preserve and enhance the National Mall, a priceless space, I am reintroducing the National Mall Revitalization and Designation Act. Until the Trust for the National Mall was established in 2007, the National Mall was Washington's most neglected and underutilized federal property, despite being well-known and treasured. The Trust for the National Mall is already making a noteworthy and important difference, and its plan will give the Mall the majesty it deserves. In the meantime, there is much that can be done, from defining the Mall's official identity for the first time to adding low-cost basic amenities. My bill authorizes the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to expand the boundaries of the Mall where commemorative works may be located, requires NCPC to study the commemorative works process, and requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan within 180 days of passage to Congress to enhance visitor enjoyment, amenities and cultural experiences on the Mall. I worked closely with NCPC and other agencies in drafting the bill. The bill would give NCPC the responsibility and necessary flexibility to designate Mall areas for commemorative works and, for the first time, to expand the official Mall area when appropriate to accommodate future commemorative works and cultural institutions. In addition, tourists and workers downtown should be able to walk to the Mall and find attractive tables and chairs in the shade where good--not fast--food is available. Residents of the city and region should be able to find space for fun and games on the Mall, beyond the space between Third Street and the Lincoln Memorial. Bordered by world-class cultural institutions, the Mall need not continue to be reduced to a mere lawn with a few--too few--old, ordinary benches and a couple of fast food stands until the expansive work of the Trust for the National Mall is completed. The plan by the Secretary of the Interior required by the bill would ensure chairs and tables for people who bring lunch to the Mall and the presence of cultural amenities. The NPS has my thanks for implementing and indeed sponsoring the part of the bill that calls for cultural amenities with Lunchtime Music on the Mall, which begins today. Lunchtime Music on the Mall is a good start to bringing the Mall alive during the workday. With the necessary imagination, making the Mall an inviting place with cultural and other amenities is achievable now. The NCPC is well on its way to meeting the bill's requirement for an expansive, 21st-century definition of the Mall, particularly now that the Trust for the National Mall is doing such important work. Frustrated by continually fighting off proposals for new monuments, museums, and memorials on the already-crowded Mall space, I asked the NCPC to devise a Mall presentation plan. In 2003, Congress amended the Commemorative Works Act to create a reserve area--a no-build zone where new memorials may not be built. This action was helpful in quelling some but by no means all of the demand from groups for placement of commemorative works on what they view as the Mall. However, recognizing the need for more commemorative work sites, NCPC and the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) released a National Capital Framework Plan in 2009, which identifies sites near the Mall that are suitable for new commemorative works, including East Potomac Park, the Kennedy Center Plaza, and the new South Capitol gateway. Five new prestigious memorials are scheduled for such sites, including the Eisenhower Memorial and the U.S. Air Force Memorial. I appreciate that NCPC and the CFA work closely with the District of Columbia in designating off-Mall sites for new commemorative works. The District welcomes the expanded Mall into our local neighborhoods to increase the number of tourists who visit them, enhancing the work of the District of Columbia government and local organizations such as Cultural Tourism that offer tours of historic District neighborhoods. The off-Mall sites for commemorative works also complement development of entirely new neighborhoods near the Mall, particularly with the passage of my bills that are redeveloping both the Southwest and Southeast waterfronts. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding. By July, when this new patch expires, Mr. Speaker, we shall have spent a full year since the last patch, not even trying to make progress toward a long-term authorization bill. We have acquired a dangerous habit--33 since the last long-term bill--of patches that create no urgency to get a long-term bill done. The Ways and Means Committee, the funding committee for this bill, is holding its first hearing next month. The frustration in the States has accumulated as fast as the untenable backlog of projects. Another construction season has already been sacrificed. The reason we are here is itself a comment on congressional neglect of the Nation's infrastructure. States have slowed down their request for reimbursements from the trust fund because the unreplenished fund, together with the short-term patches, make it impossible for States, themselves, to even begin projects of any size. Mr. Speaker, the States have already scaled back their plans for 2015 that would have created jobs. This self-inflicted crisis is threatening other jobs, too--many Federal employees in my district and thousands of others throughout the country. If Congress fails to take action by May 31, many Federal employees will be furloughed; Federal reimbursements will stop, and the highway and transit programs will shut down. The hidden costs are even worse, the many economic development projects in the country that can't be started until roads, bridges, and transit to accommodate them are done. Today, the Democrats on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have introduced the President's GROW AMERICA Act. We are putting a good bill on the table. Change it or do your own substitute, but do not leave the Nation's infrastructure twisting in the dust of another delay.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2015, Americans celebrated the 70th anniversary of V-E Day, the day that the United States and its allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany--and celebrated the end of World War II (WWII) in Europe. I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring and celebrating the life of Walter Roger Johnson, Sr., an American hero, for his significant accomplishments and service to the United States during WWII. Mr. Johnson not only served his country as a ``Buffalo Soldier'' in both the U.S. 10th and 28th Horse Cavalry Regiments, he also served as a soldier on the ``Red Ball Express'' in the 3825th Quartermaster Truck Company while overseas. Walter Roger Johnson, Sr., a native Washingtonian, was fascinated by the colored soldiers he saw riding horseback trot past his home, on D.C.'s then dirt roads. His admiration of the soldiers prompted him to run away and join the Cavalry, but at age 15 he was sent home. In February 1943, Mr. Johnson enlisted in the army at Ft. Myer, Virginia. He served in the 10th Horse Cavalry Regiment and finally in the 28th Horse Cavalry at Camp Lockett, CA, the U.S.'s final Horse Cavalry Regiment. The 28th served double duty as the southern defense for the Western Defense Command. It's there that he earned the rankings of a rifle ``sharpshooter'' and an ``expert'' with a .45 pistol. Mr. Johnson would jokingly say, ``I hit hard, shoot straight, and cut deep!'' In March 1944, the 28th was shipped to North Africa, inactivated, and converted into a Combat Service Support Troop. Mr. Johnson was assigned to the 3825th Quartermaster Truck Company, which later became a part of WWII's most massive logistics operation, the ``Red Ball Express,'' an operation primarily manned by colored soldiers. Mr. Johnson served as a ``Red Ball Express'' truck driver--in which he, along with his unit, hauled supplies, 24/7, to the First and Third Armies so that the Army could continue their advancement across France. A proud descendant of Native Americans and African Africans, Mr. Johnson never faltered in telling his proud story of being an American soldier, American champion, and champion of liberty, equality, and dignity. Like millions of nameless, faceless colored men, Mr. Johnson was an American war hero who helped win wars for this great country, but was unable to win the fight for freedom right here at home. Mr. Johnson was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Lapel Button. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. In the summer of 2014, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944, Mr. Johnson's story was published in the following three publications, ``The Rocket,'' ``Dispatches,'' and ``Aspirations'' under the title ``World War II Soldier Remembered: From Buffalo Soldier to Red Ball Express Soldier.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House join me in honoring Walter Roger Johnson, Sr., for his service to our Nation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill, the Racial Profiling Prevention Act, to reestablish a federal grant program for states that desire to develop racial profiling laws, collect and maintain appropriate data, design programs to reduce racial profiling, and train law enforcement officers. We were successful in getting the program included in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005. Although the program was just a small piece of the large SAFETEA-LU bill, nearly half of the states competed and ultimately participated in the program for multiple years. This experience speaks to state desires to deal with their own policing and profiling issues and to the usefulness of the program to states. Racial profiling is a form of racial discrimination that has been thrust back into the forefront of national concern by the tragic deaths of Black men by police and national demonstrations and disturbances, most recently in Baltimore, Maryland. Racial profiling on roads built with federal funds is a violation of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, because it amounts to a government subsidy of discrimination. However, while racial profiling remains more widespread in our country than most other forms of discrimination, there is little experience in developing legislation in this sensitive area to address racial profiling while allowing for appropriate law enforcement. My bill would help states to better develop their racial profiling laws and help train law enforcement to avoid these problems. My bill imposes no mandates on states. It simply authorizes a grant program, but does not require states to participate. However, it provides resources that many states and localities clearly need if they are to curb racial profiling.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, the majority has found a new way to keep from funding a long-term surface transportation bill within 6 days: keep passing short-term patches. As a result, we are starving the Nation's infrastructure. Twenty-three States are so desperate that they have either raised their State gas taxes or are in the process; still, the states are screaming for Congress to have the guts to do the same. State gas taxes were meant to partner with the Federal tax. States can't do it alone. The States have shown that the public understands the gas tax is a user fee. The roads, bridges, and transit America most needs can't even be started with short-term patch funding. The people are leading us to their roads and bridges. It is time we followed, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. I thank my good friend for her work on this bill that shows she is strong and protective of women. Madam Speaker, I want to speak about where this bill started. The District of Columbia was the stalking horse for H.R. 7 until women's groups and I protested vigorously. Sorry, colleagues. We may have chased the majority from the D.C. 20-week abortion bill only to see them now target all of the Nation's women with an even worse bill. However, not even the Republican majority can overrule the Roe v. Wade holding that H.R. 36 is unconstitutional for lowering the Court's as well as scientific findings on when a fetus becomes viable. H.R. 36 focuses on a previability fetus, but it excludes any protection for the health of the woman involved. Shamefully, even traumatized rape victims are punished further by steps that require that they virtually prove they were raped before they can get an abortion. My colleagues, now is the time to oppose H.R. 36. The Supreme Court already has.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, we are getting a bad habit of patch funding in 6-month increments what traditionally has been a 6-year surface transportation bill. Virtually no major projects are underway in the Nation as a result. Six-month patch funding has produced patch roadwork. Worse, road and bridge funding, in turn, is delaying billions of dollars in development that can't get started without new roads. The Washington Post showcased our example featuring overhaul of Union Station, which cannot proceed without a new bridge. Transportation funding delay is stopping a lot more than transportation infrastructure. Our districts need long-term reauthorization.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. I have to say, in listening to you, I simply can't figure it out, as your one-man show alone should have been enough to get this bill reauthorized. It is a very unusual way for one Member to take one issue and just not let it rest. Our committee and this Congress owe you a great debt of thanks particularly when you consider, Mr. Garamendi, that you are talking about a bill that has strong bipartisan support in a Congress that is not known for bipartisanship. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done.

Ms. NORTON. And it is weighing us down. I am afraid we are not getting anywhere, but if we keep trying and if we keep following your leadership and the leadership of Mr. Shuster on that side of the aisle and of Mr. DeFazio on this side of the aisle, you couldn't have a better partnership in this Congress. I can't believe we won't be able to get something done, but May 31, my friend, looms, as you said in 7 days--or is it 6? The fact is that we are counting down, and there are some of us coming on the floor with you each day to count down. I was here on a 1-minute earlier today, and I think Members are beginning to understand the obligation that they have to take on, the obligation that you have taken on as a lonely Member for months now.

Ms. NORTON. And that would give us a long-term bill. The administration admits that it, too, is not the answer because, after that, we still have to come up with a new way to pay for transportation and infrastructure. You, yourself, talked about when this all started, which was in the Eisenhower administration. We have gotten so efficient now. I drive a hybrid car, which doesn't use much gas. So we have got to be prepared to really think through an entirely new way of funding transportation and infrastructure. You mentioned the GROW AMERICA Act. I will be introducing that act soon.

Ms. NORTON. The administration does want it introduced. Mr. Garamendi, we need it, if for nothing else but as a marker. What are we talking about? If nothing has been introduced, I am not sure the American people will recognize just how far we have to go.

Ms. NORTON. Oh, you would be the very first one given what you have done on this floor, and I am glad you mentioned some parts of the bill and its cost. Yes. Guess what? It costs money; it costs something to do transportation and infrastructure; but the administration has had many Members' support of bringing back untaxed funds abroad that want to come back and of using it for something that everybody is for. I understand that our ranking member, Mr. DeFazio, has written Mr. Ryan of Ways and Means to ask for a joint hearing of our committee with the Ways and Means Committee so that we can work together, and there are rumors, because that is all we hear about of this bill these days, that there may be one in June. You will notice that that is after May 31.

Ms. NORTON. So that we can get high-speed rail. So you can't get high-speed rail unless you dig down. You can't do that unless people can get over this bridge. You talked about billions of dollars of highway bridge and transit that is being held up. I don't even want to begin to try to calculate how much economic development that depends upon our fixing those major road projects is not getting done.

Ms. NORTON. I want to thank my good friend from California because it is you who have done a great service to the Nation's infrastructure and transportation by taking out this hour virtually every week. Sometimes it is a lonely hour, but I want you to know that some of us notice.

Ms. NORTON. I will say that the way in which you have persisted is really a model for how Members get things done in this House, so I have come down, first, to thank and honor you for what you have done.