Due to copyright laws, we cannot post entire articles printed in TC Palm. However, digital subscriptions are just $5 per month and can be purchased at https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/politics/2018/04/26/teacher-walkouts-arizona-colorado/553955002/> CONGRESSMEN BLAST BRIGHTLINE FINANCING STRATEGY IN D.C. HEARING, QUESTION SAFETY RECORD Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., also disputed Goddard's claim that taxpayers would not subsidize the private-activity bonds, one of two financing mechanisms Brightline has considered for the project. "If that’s the case, and the taxpayer has no exposure … why don’t you get private funding for this," Meadows asked. “We certainly could,” Goddard responded. More: Martin, Indian River counties file new lawsuit in attempt to block Brightline expansion “Why don’t you?” Meadows shot back, adding that “most of this hearing would go away if you did that. So why don’t you go ahead and get private funding?" Because private-activity bonds are less expensive, Goddard replied. “Were interested in PABs because it’s cheaper money,” he said. “So there is a benefit to your company that comes at the expense of the American taxpayer, is there not?” Meadows said, with visible frustration, a little later in the heated exchange, during which he continued to press Goddard to acknowledge that private-activity bonds provided the company a subsidy. https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2018/04/19/congressman-blast-u-s-representatives-criticize-brightlines-financing-strategy-question-safety-recor/529037002/ SEN. MARCO RUBIO CHALLENGES LEGITIMACY OF BRIGHTLINE FINANCING - EXCLUSIVE Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, Tuesday cast doubt on Brightline's approval for $1.75 billion of tax-exempt bonds, crucial financing for the Miami-to-Orlando passenger railroad. Rubio's letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao follows a Capitol Hill hearing last week during which congressmen blasted Brightline and the U.S. Department of Transportation — which approved the bonds — for possibly circumventing federal law and defying congressional intent regarding the financing. Rubio's letter followed up on those themes and called for "increased transparency" on the issue. "When federal financing mechanisms are utilized, it is critical that the utmost transparency is provided to taxpayers," Rubio wrote. Brightline "has raised questions regarding whether federal financing was appropriately used. I urge the Department of Transportation to provide clarity." https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/all-aboard-florida/2018/04/24/exclusive-rubio-challenges-legitimacy-brightline-financing/545512002/ MAYFIELD TO SCOTT: HOLD AAF FINANCING BACK WHILE CONGRESS ASSESSES ITS LEGALITY Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Melbourne, has asked Gov. Rick Scott to call a 90-day moratorium on the involvement of Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC) and any of its affiliates in the financing of All Aboard Florida/Brightline because members of Congress are weighing its legality. http://sunshinestatenews.com/story/mayfield-scott-give-congress-90-days-assess-aafbrightline-financing?utm_source=Constant%20Contact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Morning%20Lead&utm_source=April+26+2018&utm_campaign=Morning+Lead+8%2F21%2F2017&utm_medium=email VIDEOS Congressman Mast at Brightline hearing in Washington DC April 19, 2018 https://vimeo.com/265636367 Congressman Posey at Brightline hearing in Washington DC April 19, 2018 - https://vimeo.com/265632742 The final video is the entire hearing.