[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 1997

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2169) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Transportation and 
     related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     1998, and for other purposes:


  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Chairman 
Wolf, Mr. Sabo and the members of the Appropriations Committee for the 
yeoman's job of meeting the numerous funding priorities in this tough 
fiscal environment.
  Many of us do not recognize the arduous task the committee faces each 
time it is asked to balance economic development with fiscal 
responsibility. Transportation provides substantial economic benefits 
to our country. According to the Department of Transportation, 42,000 
jobs are created for every $1 billion we invest in roads, highways, 
transit, bridges, and airports.
  The committee has drafted a solid bill that while not perfect meets 
most of the Nation's transportation needs. I am pleased with the bill's 
funding for the Airport Improvement Program and many of the local 
transit projects in my State, and further commend the appropriators for 
not presupposing the authorizers as we attempt to reauthorize ISTEA.
  This bill further reflects the chairman's commitment to both airline 
and highway safety--issues of tantamount concern to me and my 
constituents.
  To compete in today's global economy we need world-class highways, 
airports, and transit systems--this bill goes a long way toward 
providing adequate funding to meet those needs.
  I am pleased to support this bill.

                          ____________________