[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 40 (Wednesday, April 1, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PASS BESTEA BILL AND INVEST IN NATION'S ECONOMY

  (Mr. MASCARA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, one thing that get lost in the debate on 
BESTEA is the importance of our Nation's highway system. Nearly $6 
trillion worth of goods are shipped each year over our country's 
highways. Seventy-five percent of the total value of our Nation's 
commodities are shipped interstate over our national highway system.
  Our economy depends heavily on our transportation system. Yet we are 
watching it while it crumbles. Our country has long neglected its 
infrastructure needs. The condition of our roads and highways continue 
to decline.
  The Department of Transportation estimates that 59 percent of the 
Nation's highways are in disrepair. These road conditions, poor road 
conditions, cost American drivers over $23 billion a year, or 
equivalent to $132 for each driver.
  Traffic on our highways has more than doubled in the past 25 years, 
while new road construction has stagnated. It is time to invest in our 
Nation's infrastructure. It is time to fix our roads. Join me in voting 
for H.R. 2400 and invest in our Nation's economy.

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