[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 15 (Monday, February 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF TEA LU (H.R. 3) HIGHWAY, TRANSIT AND HIGHWAY SAFETY 
                           AUTHORIZATION BILL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2005

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, on February 9, 2005, I introduced 
H.R. 3, the Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users, TEA LU. This 
is a 6-year authorization of Federal highway, transit and highway 
safety programs. These programs are all currently operating under an 
extension since the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, TEA 
21, expired on September 30, 2003. The current extension--which is the 
sixth extension of these programs--will expire on May 31, 2005. We must 
pass this bill and successfully complete conference with the Senate 
before the Memorial Day recess begins. We must get this job done. 
American jobs and the continuing growth of the U.S. economy directly 
depend on the successful enactment of this authorization.
  On February 7, 2005, President Bush introduced his fiscal year 2006 
budget. I was pleased that the budget includes an updated 
reauthorization proposal funding Federal highway, transit and highway 
safety programs at $283.9 billion over 6 years in guaranteed funding. 
This is a $28 billion increase above the proposal introduced by the 
administration 2 years ago, and I applaud the administration's 
recognition of the pressing needs of America's highways and transit 
systems in this higher number. The bill I introduced also funds the 
same programs at $283.9 billion in guaranteed funding over 6 years, 
2004 through 2009. I strongly believe that we have a much better chance 
of moving this legislation quickly in the 109th Congress, now that we 
are working with the same top line funding level that the President has 
endorsed.
  The other reason that this $283.9 billion guaranteed funding level 
may sound familiar is that it was the total 6-year guaranteed funding 
level that was under discussion in last year's conference negotiations. 
I am committed to getting back to conference as fast as possible.
  There are no major policy changes between this bill and last year's 
authorization bill, which passed the House by a vote of 357 to 65 on 
April 2, 2004. The policies in H.R. 3 represent months of intense 
negotiations within the committee, with other House Members, and with 
stakeholder organizations.
  I will work closely with the leadership, the Ways and Means Committee 
chairman, and the chairman of the Budget Committee as we further refine 
this bill and prepare for committee markup and floor passage. I urge 
the House membership's strong support of TEA LU, particularly since we 
now have the administration's endorsement of the total funding level.
  Let's get this job done, so that our Nation's commerce can move 
quickly and efficiently, commuters can get to work faster and easier, 
waste less gas sitting in traffic, and spend more time with their 
families. States, communities, workers and industries around the 
country are waiting for us to act on this reauthorization. Let's get it 
done.

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