Nadler Slams GOP Transportation Proposal Tied to Drilling

The following is a press release from the office of Rep. Jerrold Nadler:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the senior Northeastern Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, criticized the Republican Leadership’s proposal for a transportation authorization bill partially funded through expanded domestic oil and gas drilling.  He issued the following statement:

“I am dismayed that the House Republican Leadership continues to act in such a divisive manner, clearly placing political considerations ahead of policy imperatives for our nation.  What our nation needs now, more than ever, is bold and comprehensive investment in our nation’s aging and inadequate transportation infrastructure.  This is a necessity not only for upgrading our flagging infrastructure and remaining competitive in the global economy, but also, critically, for creating jobs and economic development at a time when Americans need them most.

“Although there are many details yet to be revealed, it is clear that the GOP proposal for transportation reauthorization will be highly partisan and unacceptable to many Democrats.  It is particularly upsetting given that, just last week, the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee passed a reauthorization bill with broad bipartisan support.  The Senate bill might not be perfect – it is only for two years, instead of the six year bill we would like to pass – but it is a good place to start.  We should instead build on the bipartisan progress made in the Senate – not revert to partisan measures with anti-environmental poison pills that are unlikely to become law.  I hope Republicans commit to working with Democrats to identify a revenue source to fund a long-term, robust bill that we can all support.”

U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler represents New York’s 8th Congressional District, which includes Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, SoHo, Greenwich Village, TriBeCa, the Financial District and Battery Park City. In Brooklyn, the 8th District includes parts of Borough Park, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Seagate.