[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 88 (Monday, June 21, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S7327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LOTT (for Mr. McCain (for himself and Mr. Hollings)):
  S. 1248. A bill to correct errors in the authorizations of certain 
programs administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.


         legislation to increase the nhtsa authorization level

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise to introduce legislation 
that would increase the authorization level of the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration. The recently passed TEA-21 legislation 
authorized NHTSA at its requested level, approximately $87.4 million.
  Although the Department of Transportation requested $87.4 million, 
Secretary Slater now informs us that this authorization level will not 
permit the funding of key safety initiatives. The bill would increase 
the funding levels to approximately $107.8 million. This amount is 
consistent with the amount recently reported by the House Commerce 
Committee. It is my intention to move this matter quickly in the 
committee.
  I know that no one in this body wants a situation where highway 
safety is degraded in any way. I look forward to working with my 
colleagues to address this important issue of highway safety in a 
manner that provides the appropriate funding level to meet safety needs 
while also meeting our budget obligations and the consensus of the 
Appropriations Committee.
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