[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2299, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOSE SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2001

  Mr. SERRANO Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference 
report to accompany H.R. 2299, a bill making appropriations for the 
Department of Transportation and related federal agencies for fiscal 
year 2002.
  At the outset, I want to thank our Chairman, the gentleman from 
Kentucky, (Mr. Rogers) and our Ranking Democrat, the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Sabo) for bringing to the Floor a good conference 
report.
  This legislation provides almost $59.6 billion for the Transportation 
Department and related agencies. Significant expenditures include $32.9 
billion for the Federal Highway Administration; $13 billion for the 
Federal Aviation Administration; $6.7 billion for the Federal Transit 
Administration; and $5 billion for the Coast Guard.
  This year's bill also includes $750,000 for one of my priorities, 
which is the eventual construction of a continuous greenway along the 
entire 23 miles of the Bronx River. It also includes $2 million for the 
Second Avenue Subway. I also would like to thank the Chairman and 
Ranking Member for reinstating the $20 million for the Pennsylvania 
Station Redevelopment Project. This money will be used to redevelop 
Pennsylvania Station, which involves renovating the James Farley Post 
Office building into a train station and commercial center.
  Being a regular rider of Amtrak, I am glad that the conferees 
provided the requested funding level. Amtrak is an important system of 
transportation for the Bronx and New York City, especially after the 
horrendous events of September 11.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker I am pleased that the conferees were able to 
work out a resolution regarding trucks from Mexico coming to this 
country in a manner that seems to satisfy all sides.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the conference report.

                          ____________________