[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
               SURFACE TRANSPORTATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I am pleased to join 31 of my 
fellow Senators in introducing a reauthorization of our Nation's 
transportation legislation, the Intermodal Surface Transportation and 
Efficiency Act [ISTEA]. This bill commits our country to sound 
transportation planning and development and reflects the vital role 
transportation plays in our expanding economy.
  In 1991, I was proud to be a member of the Environment and Public 
Works Committee and an original author of ISTEA. This innovative law 
has resulted in the development of efficient and effective 
transportation throughout our country. ISTEA shifted decision making 
from Washington to local communities, enhanced air quality health 
standards, increased mobility and allowed our economy to grow in an 
intelligent manner.
  Today, I am equally honored to be involved in the introduction of 
ISTEA WORKS, the continuation of this successful law. This bill retains 
the basic structure of ISTEA, preserving the role of States and local 
communities in deciding transportation policies, continuing the 
emphasis on intermodalism and maintaining support for strong 
environmental provisions. The bill protects the important enhancements 
programs, expands the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program and 
improves safety.
  This legislation also addresses an issue important to Vermont and the 
Nation. As we have heard recently, Amtrak continues to struggle with 
its finances. Although I know Amtrak will survive, action must be taken 
to improve the system now. ISTEA WORKS grants States the flexibility to 
use Federal transportation dollars for operating and maintaining 
passenger service. This flexibility is important to Vermont, where we 
are running two of the most successful passenger trains in the Nation. 
The new authority will also enable our State to expand passenger rail 
and upgrade rail lines to benefit freight rail traffic.
  Mr. President, this is a historic occasion. With the introduction of 
this legislation, we begin to raise the awareness of the success of 
ISTEA and the urgent need to reauthorize this important legislation 
with few major changes.

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