[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1073-S1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     NOMINATION OF RODNEY E. SLATER OF ARKANSAS TO BE SECRETARY OF 
                             TRANSPORTATION

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arkansas is recognized.
  Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I yield myself 5 minutes from the time 
allocated to Chairman McCain.
  Mr. President, last week I had the opportunity to speak before the 
Commerce and Environment and Public Works Committees on behalf of my 
good friend and our nominee for Secretary of Transportation, Rodney 
Slater. I am proud today, and honored today to be able to rise before 
the entire Senate body and once again voice my support for the 
President's choice for Secretary of Transportation.
  I have known Rodney Slater since the 1980's, when I was first elected 
to the Arkansas State House of Representatives and Rodney was the 
executive assistant for then Governor Bill Clinton. From the very 
beginning of our relationship, I had the deepest respect for Rodney on 
both a personal and professional level.
  Professionally, I think there is no question whatsoever that he is 
qualified to become the Secretary of Transportation. Before coming to 
Washington, Rodney served for 6 years as commissioner and later 
chairman of the Arkansas State Highway Commission. During this time, 
Rodney, without hesitation, tackled the great challenge of improving a 
poor rural State's infrastructure. He took on that challenge, not just 
trying to please, but trying to do the right thing. Arkansas, like most 
of our States, is a very diverse place with many competing regions. 
Rodney, though he hailed from the delta, was always fair to every part 
of the State of Arkansas. I think that is a preeminent qualification 
for somebody who is going to be Secretary of Transportation of the 
United States. He will be fair with all modes of transportation. He 
will be fair to all parts of our Nation.
  In the last 4 years, Rodney has served as Administrator of the 
Federal Highway Administration, where he has faced the demands of 
implementing ISTEA. As you know, hearings on the reauthorization of 
ISTEA will begin next week. We will be dealing with some of the most 
important and complicated issues of transportation when we consider 
this vital piece of legislation. Rodney's experience with national and 
local transportation needs as well as his expertise in the intricacies 
of ISTEA give me great confidence he will be able to work with Congress 
in a manner that will help us form legislation that will not only be 
fair but will address the Nation's pressing transportation needs into 
the 21st century. Certainly I look forward to working with a Secretary 
of Transportation who brings hands-on experience to the Department.
  On a personal note, I cannot adequately express my esteem for Rodney, 
for the courage he has shown in overcoming a childhood of deprivation. 
He is a native of Marianna, AR, the Mississippi Delta region, one of 
most impoverished of our Nation. Many children grow up in those 
conditions and find that poverty overcomes them. They never come close 
to reaching their full potential. Rodney serves, I believe, as a role 
model for countless Americans who pull themselves up from poverty to 
make the American dream a reality. If you judge a person from what they 
overcome, then Rodney Slater has overcome a lot, and should be 
esteemed. He has not only benefited his own life, but the lives of 
those he has touched through his selfless public service. His 
experience in the region of the world he came from, I think, gives him 
a unique perspective of the value of our Nation's infrastructure and 
the role it plays in economic development.
  Another one of the great things about Rodney, which I have expressed 
many times, is his commitment to his family. Nobody could question that 
after watching the confirmation hearings. Several of his family members 
came there at each time.
  I want to reiterate my comments from last week. I have no hesitancy 
whatsoever in giving my support for Rodney Slater to be Secretary of 
the Department of Transportation. I believe the President made a fine 
choice and I look forward to casting my vote for that confirmation.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. The distinguished Senator from Arkansas has been so 
laudatory, I think the Record should show that Rodney Slater is a 
Democrat.
  The fact of the matter is, he has strong, strong bipartisan support 
because he truly comes as an appointment, not on account of the color 
of his skin, but the content of his character. As the distinguished 
Senator pointed out, he started in the most humble Mississippi Delta 
section of Arkansas, attended the public schools, graduated, then, from 
Eastern Michigan University, and then from the University of Arkansas 
School of Law at Fayetteville.
  Working as a commissioner on the Arkansas Highway Commission, he then 
was able to serve as its chairman and came here just almost 4 years ago 
as the Federal Highway Administrator. You only have to go to 
Northridge, CA, to ask how he did. Right after that earthquake out in 
California, Mr. Slater cut through all the bureaucracy. His actions 
there, instituted immediately, facilitated the provision of alternative 
transportation, and then Mr. Slater's FHWA allowed the repair and 
rebuilding of the damaged highways out there in record time.
  He has become familiar with all modes of transportation, working at 
DOT--the civilian airline system; all the railroads, including the 
Nation's rail passenger service, Amtrak; the water borne transportation 
system, and everything else. So he is totally familiar with it. I don't 
know any better compliment than that related by my distinguished 
colleague from Arkansas. Mr. Slater appeared with the strongest 
bipartisan support of any nominee I have seen in my time up here, and I 
think he deserves it. I have watched him over the past 4 years, as I 
have watched other Federal Highway Administrators, but none has done a 
more resourceful job, a more understanding job, and a more effective 
job than Rodney Slater of Arkansas.
  It's quite a journey from those rural roots to being chairman of the 
Arkansas State Highway Department to administering the Nation's highway 
program and now, I hope, to Secretary of Transportation. Mr. Slater's 
journey began with a loving family and community, and we should, as he 
does, pay tribute to them. They instilled in him the thirst for 
education, the drive to succeed at every job, and the determination to 
be fair in whatever he did. These are qualities that we should look for 
in every nominee for every office. But in addition to Mr. Slater's 
personal story there are several other excellent reasons for confirming 
Mr. Slater in this very important Cabinet position.
  He has high-level experience in transportation dating back to 1987. 
Mr. Slater has served as a member of the Arkansas State Highway 
Commission and later as the commission chairman. In these positions he 
received high praise for his ability to bring together diverse 
interests in order to get the job done. Part of Mr. Slater's success is 
attributed to his willingness to listen to disparate points of view and 
a desire to learn from others.
  Mr. Slater was appointed to the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] 
by President Clinton in 1993. As Administrator, Mr. Slater managed a 
$20 billion annual budget in an agency with 3,500 employees and an 
office in every State. In that capacity, he impressed both local 
officials and Members of Congress with his ability to work within the 
system to get things done. During the last 4 years the FHWA under Mr. 
Slater has expanded our Nation's highways and linked isolated 
communities to new jobs and opportunities.
  One important example of this nominee's abilities is the response of 
the FHWA to the devastating earthquake that took place in Northridge, 
CA. Mr. Slater received high marks from those who witnessed his ability 
to cut redtape and lessen response time so that critical funds would be 
released

[[Page S1074]]

promptly to the communities hit by the earthquake. His adept 
maneuvering through the bureaucracy resulted in the provision of 
alternate transportation and the rebuilding of vital highways in record 
time.
  In nominating Mr. Slater, President Clinton said: ``* * * he was 
recommended by more people from more places in more ways for this job 
than any person for any position I have ever seen.'' Nothing is more 
true. Look at the Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, who 
have supported this nomination. During the Commerce Committee hearing 
on his nomination, Mr. Slater was endorsed by Senators Warner, Bumpers, 
and Hutchinson and Congressmen Hutchinson and Berry. That's a good 
cross-section of support--the chairman of the Transportation 
Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works 
and four members of the Arkansas congressional delegation, two from 
each party. He has also received high praise from our House colleagues. 
Congressman Wolf, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on 
Transportation, called the nomination ``a natural.'' House 
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bud Shuster said 
he considers the nominee one who ``can work well with both parties.''
  Mr. Slater's nomination is not just endorsed within the Washington 
Beltway. Indeed, the transportation industry uniformly praised Slater 
both for his abilities as the FHWA Administrator and for his interest 
in learning the promises and prospects of the other modes of 
transportation.
  From my perspective as Senator from South Carolina, I am very pleased 
to have a nominee who has a firm grasp of the highway system that is so 
vital to my State. Moreover, in Mr. Slater we have the opportunity to 
confirm as Secretary of Transportation a man who knows the value of the 
other modes of transportation as well: The Nation's civil aviation 
system, Amtrak, and the country's waterborne transportation system.
  With Mr. Slater, we will have a Secretary who knows that we must 
rebuild the Nation's infrastructure if we are to grow and prosper in 
the 21st century. He is a man who believes, as I do, that the number of 
ships that steam into our ports means little if road or rail transport 
is insufficient to speed the cargo on its way to points inland; and 
that increasing tourism in Charleston or Boston or New Orleans won't 
matter unless trains and planes are available to bring the tourists to 
those cities.
  He is also a man who is well aware that a carefully constructed 
reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 
of 1991 [ISTEA] can give us the boost we need toward the year 2000. We 
in South Carolina have worthwhile intermodal projects that need 
funding. These intermodal projects will relieve choke points in the 
States, giving us a start on the seamless transportation network that 
ISTEA envisions. An example of one of our most pressing issues for 
ISTEA is the long overdue replacement of the bridges over the Cooper 
River in Charleston. These bridges are essential to the movement of 
cargo to and from the port.
  In conclusion, Mr. Slater has earned my support and my vote because I 
am impressed with the intelligence, dedication, and ability I believe 
he will bring to this job. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
confirming this excellent appointment.
  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a person who has 
been honored by President Clinton to serve as the Secretary of 
Transportation, Rodney Slater. Last week, Mr. Slater testified before 
the Commerce Committee. He talked about his commitment to public 
service, his background, and his desire to make sure that the United 
States remains the leader in aviation. He talked about the challenges 
facing the Transportation Department, but more importantly, the 
challenges facing all of us and our constituents.
  Mr. Slater showed himself to be forthright and straightforward. In 
response to some tough questions, he did not flinch. He looked each of 
us in the eye and committed to work through difficult problems, to 
rebuild our Nation's roads and bridges, and to make our transportation 
system as safe as possible. He also said something else in response to 
a tough, but fair comment from our chairman, Senator McCain. He said he 
wanted to give people a reason to vote for someone, rather than against 
someone. Mr. Slater did that in his testimony.
  Mr. Slater also brings something else to DOT--he has served for 4 
years as the head of the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Slater's 
support before our committee was bipartisan, both Senators and 
Congressmen. Senator Warner talked of his first-hand experience with 
Mr. Slater in working with flood victims in Virginia. Mr. Slater has 
similarly responded to problems in Kentucky and other States.
  Mr. Slater is one of the first nominees for the Secretary's position 
to have worked for one of the modal administrations. That experience 
alone will benefit our communities. Mr. Slater understands, for 
example, that opening up foreign aviation markets to our carriers will 
benefit our communities. Mr. Slater understands the importance of 
developing a new ISTEA bill. Mr. Slater recognizes the need to appoint 
members to the National Civil Aviation Review Commission, so that we 
can move forward with improving the Federal Aviation Administration. 
Funding for the FAA, improving aviation safety, and continuing to make 
strides in aviation security are matters that the new Secretary will 
confront on day one. Let's make tomorrow day one.
  Mr. Slater has many challenges ahead of him. We should let him get to 
it as quickly as possible and I urge my colleagues to support this 
nomination.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time?
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I have about 4 minutes, I would say. Can I 
be yielded some time?
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Yes, 4 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia.
  Mr. BYRD. I thank the distinguished Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. President, I rise in support of the nomination of Rodney E. 
Slater to be the Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Over 
the last four years, Mr. Slater has served the President and the 
Nation, and he has served well in his capacity as our Federal Highway 
Administrator. He has done so with the same distinction and 
effectiveness that he demonstrated previously while serving then-
Governor Clinton in several capacities back in his home State of 
Arkansas.
  I am pleased that the President has nominated such an able and 
accomplished and dedicated public official to head the Department of 
Transportation. We will face many critical challenges in the 
transportation arena in the next several months and years--the 
reauthorization of all of our critical highway and transit programs; 
the need to reform the entire financing mechanism for the Federal 
Aviation Administration; the need to find more Federal resources to 
stem the deterioration of our transportation infrastructure; the need 
to reverse the recent increase we are witnessing in drunk driving as 
well as the need to improve our safety record in all modes of 
transportation.
  I heard the President speak about the dangers of smoking, and I am 
for the great crusade that has been conducted across this Nation 
against smoking. But I would like to see a similar crusade against 
drinking alcoholic beverages. Let's have a crusade to match the crusade 
against smoking. Let's have a crusade against drinking, because my 
wife, your wife, my daughters, my grandchildren can get into an 
automobile and leave the house and never come home alive again because 
of some drunken driver who is all over the highway. Let's have a 
crusade against alcoholic beverages. I would be happy to help by 
speaking out against the drinking of alcohol.
  I know from several meetings that I have had with Mr. Slater that he 
recognizes clearly how important a vibrant and efficient transportation 
system is to the Nation's future. He knows that, as a nation, we have 
allowed our transportation infrastructure to deteriorate to the point 
that we have a backlog of unmet needs totaling well over $100 billion. 
This backlog of unmet needs for unsafe bridges, deteriorated highways, 
airports, and transit systems serves as a continuing drag on our 
Nation's productivity. He knows that poor highways restrict access to 
jobs, to schools

[[Page S1075]]

and to health care--that poorly maintained ships and waterways can lead 
to environmental disaster.
  At my request, Mr. Slater has visited my home State of West Virginia 
on a number of occasions. He has seen first hand the benefits flowing 
to my constituents and the entire Nation from ongoing efforts such as 
the completion of Appalachian Corridor ``G.'' But he also knows that 
much more needs to be done to improve mobility, not just in West 
Virginia but throughout the entire Nation.
  Mr. Slater comes from humble origins, having been born in the small 
community of Tutwiler, MS. With a population of 1,391, just a few more 
people than we have in Sophia, WV, from where I come. Tutwiler has 
about 200 more residents than the town of my upbringing, Sophia, WV. I 
know something about humble beginnings. And I know that humble 
beginnings can give some people a clarity of vision and tenacity of 
purpose. These are the attributes that we find among true national 
leaders--and Rodney Slater's leadership at this vital time in the 
Nation's history as Secretary of Transportation will be critical as we 
strive to balance the Federal budget without decimating the Nation's 
physical infrastructure. I look forward to his confirmation. I am glad 
today to speak in support of his nomination enthusiastically and 
without any reservations.
  I thank the Senator from South Carolina. I yield the floor.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to offer my strong support for 
Rodney Slater to be the next Secretary of Transportation.
  Mr. President, as Administrator of the Federal Highway 
Administration, Rodney Slater has demonstrated the leadership, 
intelligence, and vision that is required to lead the Department of 
Transportation. I am confident he will do an excellent job as 
Secretary.
  During the past 4 years, Administrator Slater has overseen a $20 
billion U.S. Highway System and a nationwide work force of 3,500. In 
that capacity, he transformed FHWA policies and programs to better 
serve the people and industries who rely on our highway system. He has 
also been a strong advocate for the advancement of women and 
minorities.
  As Secretary, Mr. Slater will play a critical role in ensuring that 
our Nation makes much-needed investments in our transportation 
infrastructure. I know he shares my commitment to that goal. 
Transportation generates 20 percent of our GNP, and every $1 billion 
invested in our transportation system yields more than 25,000 
construction-related jobs.
  Investment in transportation is also necessary to keep us 
internationally competitive. Americans spend more than 1.6 million 
hours a day stuck in traffic, at a cost to U.S. businesses of about $40 
billion per year. That's a burden our economy simply cannot afford.
  By reducing congestion, improving air quality and enhancing safety, 
effective transportation systems also improve our overall quality of 
life.
  This year we are facing renewed debate on the importance of 
transportation as we discuss the authorization of ISTEA. And I am 
pleased that Rodney Slater will be taking the lead for the 
administration in the reauthorization effort.
  Mr. President, ISTEA is a bold and innovative law that is helping to 
increase mobility, ensure access to jobs and sustain our environment 
for future generations. It has improved planning and flexibility, 
emphasized local decision making and encouraged new technology.
  Mr. President, we need to extend ISTEA to meet the transportation and 
economic challenges of the 21st century. We need to build on the 
legislation's innovative intermodal system. We should continue to 
promote State and local flexibility. We should continue to use 
technology, or so-called Intelligent Transportation Systems, to 
increase our capacity and efficiency. And we must maintain ISTEA's 
commitment to promoting safety.
  I believe Rodney Slater shares my commitment to these goals, and I am 
looking forward to working closely with him throughout the debate on 
ISTEA.
  Mr. President, as we develop so-called ISTEA Two, all of us will need 
to remember that the choices we make will directly affect the lives of 
millions of ordinary Americans. Our decisions will affect where and how 
we live. Where we work. How we'll get there. And how long it will take.
  In many cases, our choices also will be a matter of life and death 
for thousands of Americans. And we shouldn't forget that. We will be 
deciding the safety of our roads, our rails, and our air travel. 
Unfortunately, over the past 2 years, safety often has taken a back 
seat to other considerations. We have lost our national speed limit. We 
have lost our motorcycle helmet and seatbelt laws. And, meanwhile, the 
problem of drunk driving has worsened. In my view, it's long past time 
that we made safety a top priority.
  Mr. President, I raised this issue with Administrator Slater during 
the informational hearing in front of the Senate Environment and Public 
Works Committee. He assured me that safety is, and will continue to be, 
his top priority as Secretary of Transportation. I commend him for that 
commitment.
  Administrator Slater also assured me that he is an advocate for 
healthy transportation funding this fiscal year and in the years ahead. 
In the coming months, Congress and the administration will be working 
together to balance the budget. As that process moves forward, all of 
us who care about transportation will have to work hard to ensure that 
transportation is given the priority it deserves.
  Mr. President, I am confident that Rodney Slater will be a 
Transportation Secretary who will work to maintain our infrastructure, 
to preserve ISTEA, to enhance safety, and to ensure adequate funding 
for our transportation needs. I look forward to working closely with 
him to ensure that all Americans can travel safely and efficiently as 
we move into the 21st century.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to express my strong support for 
the confirmation of Administrator Rodney Slater to be the next 
Secretary of Transportation for this great Nation.
  With 1 of every 10 workers and over $700 billion dollars being 
devoted annually to transportation products and services, we certainly 
need a person of Mr. Slater's caliber.
  Transportation touches the lives of each and every American citizen 
on a daily basis; and while we can be proud of our railways, 
interstate, highways, and airport systems, there are still significant 
challenges which lie ahead.
  Mr. President, both personal and business travel are at all time 
highs and the concern for safety is shared by all Americans.
  We are continually facing the problems of congestion and pollution in 
metropolitan areas while attempting to meet the demand for increased 
mobility.
  And, in New Mexico, like many other rural States, we are witnessing a 
demographic shift which is placing a strain on our current regional 
transportation systems.
  In addition, there are still the growing demands for speed and 
efficiency in the transportation of goods. With the emergence of just-
in-time manufacturing, transportation authorities must continue to 
research transportation innovations and utilize new technologies which 
will help preserve time and money.
  Mr. President, I believe Mr. Slater's creativity and fresh thinking 
will be an asset to the President as we begin to face these issues and 
look towards the future of transportation in America. And that future 
begins with the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA].
  I believe we must build upon the priorities set forth in this 
important legislation while continuing to provide the necessary funding 
to ensure the strongest transportation infrastructure possible.
  ISTEA's reauthorization must be based upon principles that will 
sustain a strong globally-competitive economy and ensure the mobility 
and safety of our people.
  I believe Mr. Slater recognizes the challenges ahead of him as 
Secretary of Transportation and I am truly encouraged by his 
commitment.
  Administrator Slater's history is clearly is one of hard work and 
dedication. He served as assistant attorney general for the State of 
Arkansas and later worked as an assistant to the Governor on economic 
and community programs.
  Administrator Slater began his focus on transportation by serving as 
the

[[Page S1076]]

chairman of the Arkansas State Highway Commission.
  And I believe in this era of new federalism, his experience in 
running a state highway agency will be an excellent background as we 
look to provide State governments with enough flexibility to produce 
local answers to transportation issues.
  In addition, Administrator Slater served as a member of the American 
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Executive 
Committee of Commissions and Boards and is currently serving as the 
first African-American to head the Federal Highway Administration where 
he worked as an effective leader in escorting the National Highway 
System legislation through Congress.
  In speaking with Administrator Slater on many occasions, I have 
always been impressed with his desire to participate in open 
discussions with one priority in mind--and that is to reach a solution 
which is best for the American people.
  In fact, as Federal Highway Administrator, Mr. Slater personally 
traveled from coast to coast as part of an outreach program which he 
initiated.
  From Buffalo, NY to Laredo, TX and from San Francisco, CA to our 
Nation's Capital--Administrator Slater sat down with real people to 
discuss their thoughts and concerns about our Nation's highways and 
interstates.
  I believe Administrator Slater, in his new capacity as Secretary of 
Transportation, will continue to provide all Americans with a 
transportation network that will be second to none.
  And it is in my judgment that Administrator Slater has first hand 
knowledge as to what the future needs are for this Nation's 
transportation infrastructure.
  I commend President Clinton for his nomination, and shall cast my 
vote for his confirmation with confidence and wish him the best as he 
begins to face the transportation challenges of this great Nation.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my strong support 
for the confirmation of Rodney Slater as the new Secretary for the 
Department of Transportation.
  Mr. Slater has the experience, the sense of purpose, and the 
commitment to make sure that our transportation infrastructure is ready 
for the new century. He is well suited to head the Department of 
Transportation, a large and complex agency which is so vital to 
America's infrastructure. Transportation is one of the underpinnings of 
our economy, and plays an essential role in the daily lives of all 
Americans. A safe and efficient system of transportation is needed to 
keep our growing economy strong.
  Rodney Slater understands that transportation is an engine for job 
creation. He knows that it provides hundreds of good paying jobs in the 
development of transportation technologies, in construction, and in the 
delivery of transportation services. From the person who drives the 
light rail train through my own hometown of Baltimore, to the 
scientists and engineers designing the transportation networks of the 
future, transportation means jobs. Mr. Slater understands that.
  Under Mr. Slater's guidance, the Department of Transportation will 
continue to encourage new technologies, promote safety, and protect our 
environment. He is the right person to manage our national 
infrastructure, and lead the way to better and safer roads and transit 
systems, airports, and to keep us globally competitive.
  Mr. President, I look forward to working with Mr. Slater on making 
the Department of Transportation a more effective and efficient agency. 
We must work together to meet the transportation needs and challenges 
that we face as we enter the 21st century. Much has been done and 
continues to be done as we work as partners to revitalize America's 
transportation system.
  Mr. Slater is equipped for this task. He was appointed to the 
Arkansas State Highway Commission in 1987, and made its chairman in 
1992. Mr. Slater understands the needs of local and State governments. 
He understands the need for our rural, suburban, and urban areas to be 
connected, and provide the access to opportunity.
  As the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, Mr. 
Slater has shown his commitment to put people first, and to rebuild 
America. He has listened to thousands of constituents and incorporated 
their concerns into the Federal Highway Administration's decisionmaking 
process. He has led this agency as it rebuilt and expanded our Nation's 
highways, and in the process created jobs and opportunities.
  I look forward to working with Mr. Slater as he works to meet the 
transportation needs of Maryland and those across this great Nation. I 
urge my colleagues to confirm the nomination of Mr. Rodney Slater as 
Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
  Mr. KERREY. Mr. President, I rise to support the confirmation of 
Rodney Slater to be the new Secretary of Transportation. Perhaps only 
the Secretary of Agriculture has as a profound effect on economy of my 
State as the Secretary of Transportation.
  As a large geography, small population State at the Nation's 
crossroads, Nebraska has a great deal at stake in America's 
transportation policy. Perhaps only the Secretary of Agriculture has as 
profound an effect on the economy of my State as the Secretary of 
Transportation.
  Coming from rural Arkansas, Rodney Slater understands the 
transportation problems of Nebraska and the Nation. He has demonstrated 
skill and vision as Administrator of the Federal Highways 
Administration.
  One of the most important bills the 105th Congress will consider is 
the reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency 
Act (ISTEA). The new Secretary will lead the administration's efforts 
on this important bill. The Senate begins its work on the 
reauthorization of ISTEA with this confirmation. As the Senate debates 
the nomination of Rodney Slater to be Secretary of Transportation, I 
would like to take a few moments to discuss some of the transportation 
priorities I want our new Secretary and the Senate to consider.
  First, the new Surface Transportation law should promote a national 
transportation infrastructure which addresses rural and urban needs. 
That legislation must recognize that transportation investments in 
small population, crossroads States like Nebraska contribute to the 
productivity and efficiency of the entire nation.
  Second, ISTEA 2 should be truly intermodal by including an 
authorization for Amtrak, and assistance for communities dealing with 
an increasing density of rail traffic. The Congress has a tremendous 
opportunity to enhance safety where rails meet roads in America.
  Third, safety must remain the pre-eminent focus of transportation 
policy. In spite of long-term progress on the safety front, more than 
41,000 Americans will die and more than 3 million Americans will be 
injured this year on the Nation's roads and highways. We can reduce 
that number by focusing much needed attention on two groups of 
drivers--Teenagers and repeat offenders. Traffic accidents are the 
leading cause of death among Americans ages 15-24. The reauthorization 
of ISTEA provides an opportunity to seriously address this problem.
  Fourth, in aviation, I applaud the Secretary-designate for his strong 
statement in support of the Essential Air Service Program. Air service 
is critical to the economic survival of many rural communities. Last 
year, the Congress solved the chronic funding problems of the Essential 
Air Service program. I am pleased that the Secretary-designate supports 
that action.
  Finally, Mr. President, I pledge to the new Secretary that I will 
continue to do everything I can to end the hemorrhage of the airways 
trust fund. The lapse of the aviation ticket tax is draining the trust 
fund at an astounding rate of $18-20 million a day. As a new member of 
the Finance Committee, I consider funding the Nation's investments in 
airport safety, security, and efficiency a top priority. I am proud 
that our committee yesterday took swift, bipartisan action on this 
important matter.
  Mr. President, with this confirmation, we begin work on the 
transportation policy for a new century. The Senate should not 
underestimate the importance of this task or the significance of this 
confirmation. Future employment, economic growth, international 
competitiveness, and national productivity are all at stake. I am 
confident that Rodney Slater understands

[[Page S1077]]

the importance of his mission and I look forward to working with the 
new Secretary.
  Thank you, Mr. President.
  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to express my strong support 
for the nomination of Rodney Slater to be the next Secretary of 
Transportation.
  Most of my colleagues know Rodney Slater from his tenure as the 
Federal Highway Administrator--a position he has held since 1993. Mr. 
Slater has proven his ability to grasp and understand transportation 
issues that are important to all regions of this country.
  Even though he is a native of Arkansas, I can tell my colleagues that 
he recognizes the needs of areas such as the West. In fact, he has 
traveled to Montana three times to see first hand the vast expanse of 
land and low population that is our State. These trips have enabled him 
to appreciate the true meaning of the word rural.
  And this experience will come in handy in the coming months. One of 
the key issues the 105th Congress will face is the reauthorization of 
the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act or ISTEA. This 
legislation will set the highway and transit funding levels for every 
State and an understanding of the needs of rural States will be 
critical. ISTEA expires on September 30 of this year and we have our 
work cut out for us.
  There will be many difficult and controversial issues to be debated 
during reauthorization. One such issue will be the question of highway 
funding formulas. I would remind my colleagues that we are one Nation--
not 50 separate ones. We all come from different States with diverse 
transportation needs. But our goal should be to craft a reauthorization 
bill that will move this country forward into the next century--not one 
that takes us back.
  Mr. President, transportation in Montana is not just limited to 
highways. There is another important component of our transportation 
system--the Essential Air Service program.
  The Essential Air Service program ensures that some of this country's 
most rural and vulnerable communities have access to air 
transportation. It is truly an essential transportation program.
  Montana is second only to Alaska in the number of EAS communities--
seven. Every year, Congress must fight for the necessary funding to 
continue this program. However, Mr. Slater has pledged his commitment 
to support this program. I look forward to working with him and the 
rest of the Department to ensure the stability of this program into the 
future.
  Rodney Slater has repeatedly shown an ability to bring diverse 
interests together for a common goal. He has also displayed a skill for 
taking innovative approaches to many of the problems facing the 
transportation community. He has always been responsive to me and other 
Members of the Senate. It is these skills that Congress will need 
during the reauthorization of ISTEA and other transportation matters.
  Mr. President, I support this nomination without reservation and urge 
my colleagues to do the same.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the nomination of 
Rodney Slater to be the next Secretary of Transportation. Mr. Slater 
has distinguished himself by his fine service to the people of Arkansas 
and to the Nation as Federal Highway Administrator. I have had the 
opportunity to meet with Mr. Slater and discuss a range of 
transportation issues with him. I am confident that he has the 
necessary skills and knowledge to develop a national transportation 
policy and to prepare our Nation for the transportation challenges of 
the next century.
  The greatest challenge before Mr. Slater is to establish a 
comprehensive transportation policy for the 21st century. When Mr. 
Slater came before the Commerce Committee, I spoke of the need to 
develop such a policy and I emphasized my belief that such a policy 
must prominently include passenger rail service as an integral 
component. Despite rail's proven safety, efficiency and reliability in 
Europe, Japan, and even here in the United States, our Nation continues 
to seriously underfund and shortchange passenger rail. Indeed, over 
half the Transportation Department's spending authority is devoted to 
highways and another quarter to aviation; rail is still in distant last 
place with roughly 3 percent of total spending authority. During the 
confirmation hearing, I stated that I believe the time is long overdue 
to change our approach and to afford greater consideration to our 
commitment to intermodalism. I hope to work with Mr. Slater in the 
years ahead to develop and deploy a comprehensive, financially stable, 
intercity transportation network that includes passenger rail as an 
integral component.
  A second and important challenge Mr. Slater will face will be the 
reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act 
or ISTEA. I am by no means alone in counting on the administration to 
play a central role in this debate. Soon, the administration will 
submit its proposal for reauthorizing ISTEA. I expect this proposal to 
fairly allocate highway funds and to consider the aging and crumbling 
infrastructure of the crowded cities in the Northeast. These cities are 
important population centers and significant gateways for international 
trade and tourism. Those of us representing northeastern States are 
placing great faith in Mr. Slater--faith that he will afford due 
consideration to our legitimate needs and will offer sufficient support 
to ensure that those needs are addressed in a fair and equitable 
manner.
  I look forward to working with Mr. Slater in several other areas 
including reforming the FAA, negotiating and implementing meaningful 
open-skies agreements with our trading partners, and implementing the 
train whistle ban in a manner that respects the safety records of the 
communities that will be affected.
  I enthusiastically will vote in favor of Mr. Slater's confirmation, 
and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk 
will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, the Senate, in just a minute, will vote on 
the nomination of Rodney Slater to serve the Nation as Secretary of 
Transportation.
  I congratulate Mr. Slater on the honor of being selected by the 
President for this very important post, and I urge the Senate to 
confirm his nomination.
  Mr. Slater currently serves as the top official at the Federal 
Highway Administration and has received much praise on both sides of 
the aisle and from across the country for his good work in that 
important capacity.
  On January 29, the Senate Commerce Committee conducted a thorough 
hearing on the Slater nomination, and, yesterday, the committee voted 
unanimously to refer his nomination to the full Senate with our 
approval.
  As part of the committee's examination, we submitted a battery of 
questions to the nominee regarding his qualifications and fitness to 
serve as Secretary; about his priorities in serving the transportation 
needs of our country; and about his plans to ensure that he and the 
Department effectively serve the public interest in keeping with the 
highest standards of professional conduct.
  He faithfully responded to our many questions and while members may 
disagree about some of his policies, the nominee is experienced in the 
transportation arena; has proven himself to be a dedicated public 
servant; and has assured the committee that he has not engaged in any 
activity which would cast doubt on his ability or fitness to serve.
  Mr. Slater, has a very difficult job ahead of him. The Transportation 
sector affects every facet of our country's economic and social life. 
The ability of our citizens and the Nation's goods to travel freely, 
economically and safely, will be directly and deeply influenced by the 
policies established by the new Secretary.
  Our Nation faces severe challenges in the effort to keep our 
transportation systems the most modern, efficient, and safest in the 
world. In particular,

[[Page S1078]]

upgrading the Nation's highways, railways and aviation infrastructure 
in an era of necessary budget constraint will be especially difficult 
and will require vision and leadership.
  Above all, the new Secretary's top priority must be protecting public 
safety in all modes of transportation. And, he must apply himself to 
prioritizing national needs and eliminating unjustified programs so 
that limited resources can flow to the Nation's most pressing 
requirements according to merit and need. Achieving these lofty goals 
will take a Secretary who can say no, as well as yes, and who can keep 
an unflinching eye on the interests of the country rather than on 
politics.
  Mr. Slater, assured us that he understands the magnitude of the 
responsibilities awaiting the new Secretary, and is qualified and eager 
to take them on. Having questioned and examined this nominee, and given 
his track record of public service, the committee trusts and believes 
that is so. I urge my colleagues to confirm Rodney Slater, and we look 
forward to working with him to best serve the transportation needs of 
our Nation.
  I ask for the yeas and nays on this vote.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second?
  There is a sufficient second.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. If my colleague would yield.
  Mr. McCAIN. I am happy to yield to the Senator.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to extend----
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, under the previous order, we were supposed 
to vote at 3 o'clock. That is my understanding.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That was the agreement.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I yield back remaining time.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I yield back.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time is yielded back. The question is, 
Will the Senate advise and consent to the nomination of Rodney E. 
Slater, of Arkansas, to be Secretary of Transportation? On this 
question the yeas and nays have been ordered and the clerk will call 
the roll.
  The legislative clerk called the roll.
  Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the Senator from Utah [Mr. Bennett] and 
the Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Thurmond] are necessarily absent.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there any other Senators in the Chamber 
desiring to vote?
  The result was announced--yeas 98, nays 0, as follows:

                       [Rollcall Vote No. 6 Ex.]

                                YEAS--98

     Abraham
     Akaka
     Allard
     Ashcroft
     Baucus
     Biden
     Bingaman
     Bond
     Boxer
     Breaux
     Brownback
     Bryan
     Bumpers
     Burns
     Byrd
     Campbell
     Chafee
     Cleland
     Coats
     Cochran
     Collins
     Conrad
     Coverdell
     Craig
     D'Amato
     Daschle
     DeWine
     Dodd
     Domenici
     Dorgan
     Durbin
     Enzi
     Faircloth
     Feingold
     Feinstein
     Ford
     Frist
     Glenn
     Gorton
     Graham
     Gramm
     Grams
     Grassley
     Gregg
     Hagel
     Harkin
     Hatch
     Helms
     Hollings
     Hutchinson
     Hutchison
     Inhofe
     Inouye
     Jeffords
     Johnson
     Kempthorne
     Kennedy
     Kerrey
     Kerry
     Kohl
     Kyl
     Landrieu
     Lautenberg
     Leahy
     Levin
     Lieberman
     Lott
     Lugar
     Mack
     McCain
     McConnell
     Mikulski
     Moseley-Braun
     Moynihan
     Murkowski
     Murray
     Nickles
     Reed
     Reid
     Robb
     Roberts
     Rockefeller
     Roth
     Santorum
     Sarbanes
     Sessions
     Shelby
     Smith, Bob
     Smith, Gordon H.
     Snowe
     Specter
     Stevens
     Thomas
     Thompson
     Torricelli
     Warner
     Wellstone
     Wyden

                             NOT VOTING--2

     Bennett
     Thurmond
       
  The nomination was confirmed.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.
  Mr. KERRY. I move to lay that motion on the table.
  The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair notes that under the previous order, 
the President shall be notified of the confirmation of the nomination 
of Rodney Slater.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Rodney Earl Slater is the right choice to 
become the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He has earned the 
unanimous vote by which he was confirmed. He has taken a remarkable 
path from a childhood of poverty to being selected to head the $39 
billion Department of Transportation. His hard work and talents have 
proven invaluable to every effort he has undertaken.
  Rodney was born in 1955 in the dirt-poor Mississippi Delta. His first 
taste of hard work came early, when as a boy he picked cotton and 
peaches. He was recruited to play football at Eastern Michigan 
University, rising to become co-captain of the team.
  His performance in speech class so impressed his professor that he 
persuaded him to join the college's debate team. He went on to become a 
national finalist in debate competitions. The coach of his college 
debate team described him well: ``I knew way back then that here was a 
very disciplined, goal-oriented young man who was driven by his own 
competitiveness. He wasn't competing against other students. He was 
competing against his own measure of success.''
  Rodney Slater went on to an outstanding career of public service. He 
served several years in the Arkansas State Attorney General's Office. 
After 4 years as an assistant to then-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, 
he directed government relations for Arkansas State University.
  In 1987, he was appointed to the powerful Arkansas State Highway 
Commission, making him the first African-American to hold the job. Five 
years later, he was promoted to chair the commission.
  As Federal Highway Administrator since 1993, Mr. Slater has managed a 
$20 billion annual budget in an agency with 3,500 employees and offices 
in every State. He tackled the politically difficult task of putting 
together the National Highway System, a 160,000-mile network of 
roadways. Stitching together that system involved painstaking 
negotiations with 50 State governments, regional transportation 
agencies, and city governments. Despite these difficulties, he won 
praise from all sides for his candor, political skills, and ability to 
work within the system to get things done.
  Rodney Slater's nomination has drawn wide and bipartisan support. As 
President Clinton put it, he ``was recommended by more people from more 
places in more ways for this job than any person for any position I 
have ever seen.'' He has won praise from leaders from both parties and 
both Houses of Congress. Senator John Warner, who chairs the Senate 
Environment and Public Works Transportation Subcommittee, described him 
best as ``an effective partner with Congress.''
  As a true Arkansas traveler, Rodney has demonstrated he understands 
rural transportation needs. He has certainly become a good friend of 
South Dakota. When we needed help, in good times and bad, we knew we 
could count on him. South Dakotans are deeply grateful for his 
assistance, which we will never forget.
  The nomination of Rodney Slater validates a life of hard work. He has 
earned this nomination. From his roots in rural Arkansas, he worked his 
way through college and law school. Here in Washington, he has rebuilt 
and expanded our Nation's highways and linked isolated communities to 
jobs and opportunities. He has built bridges both of steel and of 
goodwill to bring people closer together. He is the right person to 
help us meet the many transportation challenges we face as we enter the 
21st century.
  I supported Rodney Slater's nomination with enthusiasm. He fully 
deserved the unanimous vote by which he was confirmed.

                          ____________________