[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.
____________________