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"Our country faces serious economic challenges, and at a time when we are working to spur job growth, jumpstart the economy, and rein in the deficit, we must prioritize. We can't do it all, and the President's budget makes clear that job growth, education, transportation and clean energy innovation are at the top of the list.
"He has said that he cares more about America's future than his reelection, something that Congress and Americans needed to hear.
"Tonight's speech was about getting back to the fundamentals: a strong economy, the creation of good jobs, a college education, and access to quality, affordable health care.
Yet it seems misleading to label the criteria announced by Secretary LaHood as new. When I authored Small Starts, which was signed into law in 2003, the original intent was to provide federal funding for smaller scale and less expensive transit projects. Which projects would be funded was to be determined by a variety of benefits, from economic development potential to environmental gains.
"Unemployment is still high, and while the economy recovers, this bill provides continued unemployment benefits for those who need it as well as access to healthcare.
Local projects of note include:
• Oregon Partnership Crisis Line for Oregon Military Families--$300,000—Funding will support a dedicated 24-hour crisis line inOregon for returning soldiers and their families dealing with mentalhealth, suicide, and alcohol and drug problems.
Members ofCongress should not have access to taxpayer-funded health care when they areactively denying these very people quality care of their own.