[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMUTER RELIEF ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2011

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to introduce the 
Commuter Relief Act, legislation that will expand the popular transit 
benefits program to provide commuters with options to avoid high gas 
prices, make it easier for companies to provide transportation benefits 
for all employees, and spur public-private partnerships for commuting 
purposes.
  Americans have made it clear that they want transportation options. 
In a recent study by the Pew Charitable Trusts, 52 percent of Americans 
support increased funding for bike, pedestrian and public 
transportation programs. On average, transportation costs are now 
Americans' second largest expense after housing. As gas prices 
increase, many Americans are already changing their daily behaviors to 
decrease fuel costs: taking fewer trips, keeping their cars tuned, even 
trading in their gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient models. As we 
search for solutions to our congested roadways, increasing gas costs 
and expanding waistlines, it's time for the federal government to 
become more aggressive in helping to provide choices.
  For too long, the federal government has supported commuters who 
drove to work, but has not helped those who use other methods of 
transportation. Through the incentives in this bill, the federal 
government can support consumers who wish to use environmentally 
friendly, active transportation modes that save them money in the long 
run, such as public transit, carpooling, biking, walking and 
telecommuting. This not only makes environmental and public health 
sense, it makes economic sense: at $4 a gallon gasoline, American 
families can save $5.6 billion each year on gasoline costs by using 
transit. Bicycle commuters annually save an average of $1,825 in auto-
related costs, conserve 145 gallons of gasoline, and avoid 50 hours of 
gridlock traffic.
  The Commuter Relief Act will provide consumers with commuting 
choices, and make it easier for companies to implement commuting 
programs that benefit all employees. It ensures that the federal 
government is a better partner as we work to provide Americans with 
transportation choices, reduce congestion and decrease our dependence 
on foreign oil.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation to 
support businesses in their effort to provide choices for commuting 
employees.

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