[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SUPPORT BESTEA

  (Mr. COOK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, it is not every day that we get to vote for 
legislation that will directly and tangibly improve the quality of life 
for every single American. That is what BESTEA does. BESTEA will repair 
and rebuild the highways and roads Americans use every day. BESTEA also 
restores trust with the American people.
  BESTEA does what no highway bill has done in two decades; spends gas 
taxes for its intended purposes. BESTEA is also fiscally responsible. 
In fact, it is paid for twice. First, it only spends what the 
government takes in in gas taxes. Second, much of it will be offset by 
spending cuts.
  Also, and often overlooked, BESTEA will save more lives than any 
other legislation we will act on this year.
  This is a great bill for the future of America, and I urge all my 
colleagues to support it.

                          ____________________