A number of representatives have voiced
their opposition to HR8768,
which would appropriate $2
to my home state of Virginia
for a toll
reconstruction project.
And as I've sat listening to them,
I couldn't help but think of
the memory of my son,
Army Private First Class,
James Whittle.
James was killed in Iraq in 2
while fighting for
this nation's freedom.
I know James would want me to fight
to see this bill passed.
James loved toll roads.
He would have loved to see this one built
but he never will,
because he died on a battle field
in Iraq, nearly six years ago.
Now, there has been some talk
that this project is too expensive,
mostly from representatives whose
children are still alive.
If they knew what it was like to lose the
most precious thing they have in the world,
those representatives would understand
why this toll road is so, very important.
I love my dead son. The only chance
I get to hear his voice now
is in my dreams.
Like the one I had last night.
I was driving down I89
when I came to a toll both,
and in that toll booth
was my son.
He smiled and said,
I'm so happy here in this toll both.
I'm so glad HR8768 passed.
And I said, me too son.
Me too.
As many of you know,
I carry a piece of my son's
bloodied uniform with me
whenever I'm here at the capital.
When I have it with me,
I feel James's spirit and strength
guiding me. And so today I hear
the argument that the toll road highway
will be built through
undeveloped land,
promoting unchecked development,
and degrading the pristine environment
in the area, and to that I say,
my son died in a war.
I would also like to take this time
to voice my strong approval
for writer 8938, which
would allow for the construction
of the private James Whittle memorial
of Gonquid Indian Gaming Casino.
Still Ahead: Q&A With A Historic
Mississippi River Steamboat
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