[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HOUSE PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS

  (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, during my service as a local official in 
Portland, OR, we worked hard with employers, including government 
employers, to provide transit passes for our employees as an 
alternative to single occupant vehicles. We found that transit pass 
programs improved morale, they decreased the demand for parking, helped 
clean air and decrease congestion, while saving our employees money.
  Today I am introducing a resolution with broad bipartisan support 
that would give all House offices the option to participate in local 
transit programs, and employees here and at home, in every district, 
the opportunity to contribute to the liveability of their communities 
by using transit. I am embarrassed to say that the Senate has operated 
such a program since 1992, but be that as it may, it is time for the 
House to get on board.
  No additional funds are needed in this resolution, since transit 
passes would be funded from existing House budgets. When we are asking 
employers across the country to step forward in the fight for clean 
air, we in the House must be prepared to do our part and to help our 
employees.

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