[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 427--COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                           INTERSTATE SYSTEM

  Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Bond, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. 
Chafee, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Thune, Mr. DeMint, Mr. Isakson, 
Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Carper, Mrs. 
Clinton, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Obama, and Mr. Reid) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 427

       Whereas, on June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower 
     signed into law--
       (1) the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 (Public Law 84-627; 
     70 Stat. 374) to establish the 41,000-mile National System of 
     Interstate and Defense Highways, later designated as the 
     ``Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and 
     Defense Highways''; and
       (2) the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 (Public Law 84-627; 70 
     Stat. 387) to create the Highway Trust Fund;
       Whereas, in 1990, the National System of Interstate and 
     Defense Highways was renamed the Dwight D. Eisenhower System 
     of Interstate and Defense Highways to recognize the role of 
     President Eisenhower in the creation of the Interstate 
     Highway System;
       Whereas that web of superhighways, now spanning a total of 
     46,876 miles throughout the United States, has had a powerful 
     and positive impact on the lives of United States citizens;
       Whereas the Interstate System has proven to be a vital tool 
     for transporting people and goods from 1 region to another 
     speedily and safely;
       Whereas the use of the Interstate System has helped the 
     Nation facilitate domestic and global trade, and has allowed 
     the Nation to create unprecedented economic expansion and 
     opportunities for millions of United States citizens;
       Whereas the Interstate System has enabled diverse 
     communities throughout the United States to come closer 
     together, and has allowed United States citizens to remain 
     connected to each other as well as to the larger world;
       Whereas the Interstate System has made it easier and more 
     enjoyable for United States citizens to travel to long-
     distance destinations and spend time with family members and 
     friends who live far away;
       Whereas the Interstate System is a pivotal link in the 
     national chain of defense and emergency preparedness efforts;
       Whereas the Interstate System remains 1 of the paramount 
     assets of the United States, as well as a symbol of human 
     ingenuity and freedom;
       Whereas the anniversary of the Interstate System provides 
     United States citizens with an occasion to honor 1 of the 
     largest public works achievements of all time, and reflect on 
     how the Nation can maintain the effectiveness of the System 
     in the years ahead: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) proclaims 2006 as the Golden Anniversary Year of the 
     Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and 
     Defense Highways;
       (2) recognizes and celebrates the achievements of the 
     Federal Highway Administration, State departments of 
     transportation, and the highway construction industry of the 
     United States, including contractors, designers, engineers, 
     labor, materials producers, and equipment companies, for 
     their contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of 
     the United States; and
       (3) encourages citizens, communities, governmental 
     agencies, and other organizations to promote and participate 
     in celebratory and educational activities that mark this 
     uniquely important and historic milestone.

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