[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORT THE TRUTH IN BUDGETING ACT, RESTORE HIGHWAY TRUST FUNDS

  (Mr. COOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker, as Members of the freshman class, we were 
elected to restore accountability and honesty to Congress. We have a 
unique opportunity, indeed an obligation, to fulfill our promise. In 
1969, the Federal Highway Trust Fund became part of the unified Federal 
budget. Since that time, taxes paid by users of the system for the 
express purpose of improving and upgrading our roads and bridges, have 
been buried in the budget, masking the true size of the Federal 
deficit.
  Prior to 1969, the Federal Highway Trust Fund was an off-budget 
program. The pay-as-you-go system allowed repairs to be made as the 
money was collected. Today, a surplus has amassed at the expense of 
much needed improvements.
  H.R. 842, the Truth in Budgeting Act, seeks to restore the Federal 
Highway Trust Fund to its original off-budget status. This will put an 
end to the budget gimmick of hiding the deficit at the expense of 
motorists. I urge you to join me and nearly 140 cosponsors in 
supporting H.R. 842, a bill that answers the people's call to improve 
America's infrastructure, and to make Government fiscally responsible.
  A promise is a promise, and it is time for us to live up to ours.
  

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