[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 7 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTERMODAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY ACT REAUTHORIZATION

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I want to join Senator Byrd and others 
who were speaking today in support of prompt action on an issue of 
major importance to the country--the ISTEA reauthorization that will 
set the country's course for the next six years on transportation 
policy and investments.
  I noticed the majority leader had indicated that there were some 
differences about the consideration of that proposal last year.
  But the fact of the matter remains that when I look over what we are 
involved in outside of the Dr. Satcher nomination, it seems that we 
certainly would have the opportunity for the consideration of the ISTEA 
reauthorization. And looking over the anticipated schedule, I would 
think that we could deal with this, and deal with it appropriately, 
certainly before the February recess. I don't know what else has been 
placed on the schedule prior to that time next week. Certainly we would 
make time for any kind of consideration or resolution on the issues of 
Iraq. But barring that, it would seem to me that reauthorization could 
be dealt with by that particular time.
  This debate has major ramifications, not only for the Nation's 
transportation system, but for the economy and the environment.
  What Congress does with this legislation will, in many ways, define 
the degree to which communities across the country will be able to take 
full advantage of the possibilities for economic development and growth 
in the years ahead. Without a modern, safe and efficient transportation 
network, America's businesses can't compete as efficiently, America's 
cities can't be revitalized as effectively, and America's families will 
lose valuable time in the daily struggle to move from home to work, and 
carry out all the other responsibilities of daily life.
  This legislation will also have a major impact on the environment, as 
we debate what direction the law should take. A major goal is to 
preserve and strengthen the innovative intermodal approach established 
under the original ISTEA, including special emphasis on public transit, 
the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, bikeways and other 
initiatives that enhance the quality of life in our communities.
  I hope we will be able to build on the original ISTEA law, sustaining 
its innovative programs and laying the foundation for greater economic 
growth. To do that, we need to make a substantially larger investment 
that will address the many urgent transportation needs facing the 
country, and also facing my own State of Massachusetts that has some 
very special needs.
  I commend Senator Byrd for his extraordinary leadership on all of 
these vital infrastructure issues. The amendment he proposed last fall 
will make a significant difference for all states, enabling us to meet 
all of the new challenges more effectively.
  I think he makes a compelling case. Let the Senate make its 
judgments. Let the Senate decide. It is difficult to justify and say we 
are not going to let the Senate decide because we might have the votes 
for a particular position, which is at least partly delaying the 
opportunity to consider the legislation.
  We can't afford to have this important debate drag on into the months 
ahead. The country's transportation needs are urgent and can't wait. We 
should take up the ISTEA legislation and complete action on it 
promptly, to avoid paralysis in critical ongoing work involving 
transportation construction, public transit operations, traffic safety 
programs, and other issues that demand attention.
  Mr. President, I may have more to say on this subject. I know that 
the Senate is anxious to recess in order to hear the full report of the 
Secretary of State.
  So I will yield at this time and hope that the Senate will follow the 
leader's motion for adjournment.

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