[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT THE EXECUTIVE ORDER ON FEDERAL 
        WORKFORCE TRANSPORTATION IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 19, 1999, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) is recognized 
during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing, along with the 
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Davis), a bill which will require the President to issue 
the Executive Order on Federal Workforce Transportation in the National 
Capital Region.
  No single action will do more to reduce traffic congestion and 
improve the quality of life of the people who live in the Washington 
metropolitan area. This Federal order, which has been held at the White 
House for over 6 months, would help alleviate traffic congestion in 
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for all people, those who work 
for the government and those who work in the private sector.
  The order would reduce traffic by requiring all Federal agencies to 
provide a monthly transit benefit to their employees. Currently less 
than 20 percent of the Federal work force is eligible to receive 
transit benefits. This action would encourage Federal employees to use 
mass transit, and could take thousands of cars off the street every 
day. The order would expand the use of telecommuting and telework for 
Federal employees, which would also take cars off the road, give 
Federal employees the opportunity to telework, where they can have more 
choices and opportunities, and make it a better environment.
  Lastly, the order would increase carpool benefits, shuttle service 
between mass transit points and agency worksites, and allow for 
alternative work schedules.
  Mr. Speaker, I think we all agree that the Federal government has a 
responsibility to help reduce air pollution, and that motor vehicle 
traffic is the major source of pollution in this region. This Executive 
Order would take cars off the road, help clean up the air, and yet the 
White House is sitting on it.
  Let me read exactly what the Executive Order says about air 
pollution. It says, ``In furtherance of the purposes of the Clean Air 
Act and the Federal Employees Clean Air Incentives Act, the Federal 
government, as the largest single employer in the Nation's Capital 
Region, has a responsibility to reduce the traffic congestion and motor 
vehicle-generated air pollution. . . .''
  This Executive Order for the most part is an environmental document, 
and yet the Clinton-Gore White House is refusing to approve it.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to read from the implementation requirements, 
which state, ``For several years, there have been increasingly dire 
warnings about the negative consequences of traffic congestion and air 
pollution in the Capital region. Studies show that adverse impacts on 
the economy, quality of life, energy resources, environment, and public 
health.''
  Why is the White House sitting on the Executive Order which they know 
will benefit the health of the people who live in the region, but also 
give Federal employees control over their own lives, and also take 
automobiles and cars off the streets of Maryland and Virginia and the 
District of Columbia so people can get back and forth to work and spend 
more time with their families?
  It is a quality of life issue there. The simple fact that this order 
would reduce traffic congestion in our region is reason enough to sign 
it. Now we learn it will help with regard to the environment.
  The document is important. The action is needed for now. Yet, this 
has been sitting on the President's desk for over 6 months. The bill 
will go in today. We will attempt to pass this bill. But I would hope 
and ask the White House to sign the Executive Order so we can give 
Federal employees this opportunity, give them opportunities to 
telework, but also take cars off the streets whereby we can have a 
better quality of life in this region for everyone who drives.

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