[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 15, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H6843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PASS TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR 21ST CENTURY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to discuss the importance of 
passing the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 
21st century.
  Our transportation system has a direct and significant impact on the 
daily lives of all Americans. While the United States has benefited 
greatly from having a strong transportation network on which we can 
move our people and goods, we are approaching a crossroads.
  My district in North Texas has experienced an increase in traffic 
over the last 3 decades. This is the direct result of unprecedented 
population growth, unprecedented employment growth, and underinvestment 
of Federal funds to this area. In many ways, this is a silent crisis, 
rarely recognized by residents until they find themselves in an 
unbearable commute to work or unable to make necessary connections 
between home, work and countless other activities that our busy lives 
demand.
  In Texas, our identified transportation needs outstrip available 
funding three to one. Texas has several specific transportation needs 
such as seeking opportunities for increased funding, supporting 
international trade transportation and a more efficient environmental 
process, and expanding innovative financing techniques. I believe we 
must make the necessary investment to support our transportation future 
in Texas or we will sit in traffic and literally watch our 
transportation infrastructure deteriorate before our eyes to the point 
that it further impedes growth and economic development.
  As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I 
am working with the committee's bipartisan leadership and my other 
committee colleagues on the 6-year, $375 billion TEA-21 reauthorization 
proposal to fund highway and transit programs. Under the committee's 
proposal, Texas would receive an estimated $20.8 billion in highway 
funding over 6 years, which is an estimated $7.59 billion increase for 
Texas highway funding compared to current funding levels.
  Furthermore, this proposal would stimulate job and economic growth 
throughout our great State, creating an estimated 93,000 new jobs in 
Texas over the next 6 years.
  I believe Texas needs increased funding for its highway and transit 
programs. I have requested funding assistance to expedite the planning 
and construction of specific highways and transit projects to improve 
the lives of citizens, business owners and those transporting goods 
through Texas and throughout my congressional district. More funding 
will equate to better roads, better bridges and better transit 
facilities, less congestion and improved safety and infrastructure for 
commercial transportation.
  I am committed to working with Federal, State and local officials 
during the TEA-21 reauthorization this year to address Texas' long-term 
needs. The House Committee on Transportation and the Infrastructure 
members and other interested parties will continue to work to produce a 
bill which adequately provides for our economic security, creates and 
sustains jobs, enhances safety, and continues to improve mobility for 
our Nation's citizens, especially those in Texas.

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