[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREES ON H.R. 3550, TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT: A 
                            LEGACY FOR USERS

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                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 3, 2004

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Oberstar Motion to 
Instruct Conferees on the Safe Routes to Schools program.
  The Safe Routes to Schools is a good program designed to save the 
lives of children and the many commuters that drive near schools. This 
program helps create infrastructure so that children can safely walk or 
bike to school.
  Our children will also be safer while walking to school because the 
Safe Routes to Schools program also encourages greater enforcement of 
traffic laws, educates the public, and explores ways to create safer 
streets.
  As a nutrition advocate, I am also concerned about the growing 
obesity epidemic that is affecting our children. Sedentary lifestyles, 
too much television, and far too many non-athletic activities are 
causing our children's waistlines to grow out of control. That is why I 
support this program. We need to promote walking and biking to school 
as alternatives.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please support this Motion to 
Instruct the Conferees so that our children can live safer, healthier, 
and happier lives.

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