WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) visited the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) updated 95th Street Red Line Station today to receive updates on the completion of the project—which received more than $100 million in federal funding—and discuss the nation’s critical infrastructure needs. President Trump’s proposed budget slashes $4.8 billion from infrastructure funding for projects like the 95th Red Line while Klobuchar and Duckworth are working to increase funding and improve our nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

“The budget that the President has now put forth would cut $4.8 billion from infrastructure,” Klobuchar said. “As you look at this project, it would be a lot harder to do if this budget were to pass. While he put the priority on that wall with $7.8 billion, we put it on projects like this.”

“To me, this project isn’t just about improving our infrastructure. It’s about ensuring that more Chicagoans can lead the lives they deserve by making it easier for people to get to work throughout the city and improving access for those of us with disabilities, making commutes safer and shorter in the process,” Duckworth said. “I’m excited about the work being done at the 95th Street Red Line Station that’s transforming our city into an even better version of itself.”

Klobuchar has fought to build a 21st-century infrastructure network that meets the demands of our 21st-century economy, including safe bridges, modern highways, forward-looking public transportation, increased broadband access, and integrated planning decisions. She was one of the first Democratic senators to support the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which is a long-term transportation reauthorization bill that became law in December 2015. Klobuchar is also an original cosponsor of the Building and Renewing Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment (BRIDGE) Act, which would establish an Infrastructure Financing Authority (IFA) to complement existing funding mechanisms and expand overall infrastructure investment.

Klobuchar has also worked to secure federal funds to address Minnesota’s infrastructure needs, including funds for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT), Willmar Rail Connector and Industrial Access, Northstar Commuter Rail, and several rapid transit projects.

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