[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 3550 ``THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A LEGACY FOR 
                                USERS''

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, today, along with nearly every 
member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I and 
Congressman Jim Oberstar are introducing a truly historic highway and 
transit funding bill that will benefit every State in the Nation.
  The introduction of this bipartisan legislation would not have been 
possible without the support and cooperation of Congressman Oberstar. 
In addition, the Chairman Petri of the Subcommittee on Highways, 
Transit and Pipelines, along with the subcommittee ranking Democrat, 
Congressman Lipinski were instrumental in getting this legislation 
written for introduction.
  The legislation provides $375 billion over the next six years. This 
proposed level of funding is based upon the needs of our country as 
outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation Condition and 
Performance report.
  With this bill, we will have the resources to maintian our existing 
transportation infrastructure and begin to improve it as well. We can 
address our national congestion crisis and safety problems.
  Our transportation infrastructure is old and getting worse. Thirty 
two percent of our major roads are in poor or mediocre condition and 
28% of our bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
  Congestion is affecting our quality of life and costing our nation 
$67 billion a year--more than $1,100 for the average commuter each 
year.
  Commuters are sitting longer and longer in traffic jams and billions 
of gallons of fuel is wasted each year due to congestion.
  Most importantly, this country is facing a transportation safety 
crisis. More than 42,000 people die each year on our roads and 
highways. Nearly one-third of all these fatal crashes are caused by 
substandard road conditions and roadside hazards. This is totally 
unacceptable for the most advanced nation in the world.
  Over the next six years, we provide $298 billion for highway, road 
and bridge improvements . . . and $69 billion for transit programs.
  This legislation proposes to increase the minimum guaranteed 
percentage for every State from 90.5 percent to 95 percent by 2009. We 
understand that more equity is needed for all 50 States.
  The bill significantly increases funding for highway safety programs.
  In addition, the bill authorizes $17.6 billion for ``Projects of 
National and Regional Significance''--a major boost for these important 
projects.
  It also authorizes $7.5 billion to address the problem of railroad-
highway crossings and the elimination of road hazards.
  Our legislation will also have another positive benefit by giving a 
major boost to our nation's economy. Nationally, this proposal creates 
more than 1.3 million new highway jobs over the next six years.
  It is time to face the facts--our highways, bridges and transit 
systems are aging and not up to the standards which our citizens 
expect. We need to stimulate the economy and this important legislation 
will do just that. America's congestion and safety crisis will not go 
away--it must be addressed immediately.
  Enactment of this landmark legislation is a legacy for all users of 
our transportation infrastructure, both today and for future 
generations and moves our aging transportation system into the 21st 
century.

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