Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chairmen Neal and Lewis on Highway and Transit Investment Needs
WASHINGTON, DC — Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman John Lewis (D-GA), issued the following statements today at a joint hearing between the Subcommittees on Select Revenue Measures and Oversight, reviewing Highway and Transit Investment Needs.
Chairman Neal delivered the following statement:
“I call this hearing to order. Please take your seats.
“On behalf of my dear friend and colleague, Chairman Lewis, who cannot join us today, I want to welcome everyone to this Joint hearing between the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee and the Oversight Subcommittee on transportation needs.
“This hearing is very timely. This is the beginning of summer vacation season and the dreaded words every father hates to hear, “Are we there yet?” And then it will be repeated 1,000 more times.
“As American families hit the road for vacations across the country, whether it is by planes, trains, or automobiles, our infrastructure will be tested and signs of aging will show. Just a few years ago, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of funding for the Interstate Highway System. Whether it is repair, replacement, or modernization of the system, substantial funds will be required.
Chairman Lewis submitted the following statement for the record:
“Good Morning. First, let me thank Chairman Neal for joining me in co-chairing today’s hearing and all of the staff for working on this important issue.
“We do not work directly on transportation issues in the Ways and Means Committee. However, the Committee has authority over the revenues and spending of the Highway Trust Fund and, so, we do have the opportunity to deal with how our nation’s infrastructure is funded. Today’s hearing is one of the first steps in understanding our nation’s transportation system. What is the current condition? What are the needs? What is the status of the Highway Trust Fund?
“Transportation is one of the most important issues in my congressional district. When I first was elected to Congress, I served on what was then the Public Works and Transportation Committee. Later, when I moved over to the Ways and Means Committee, I was able to continue to work more closely on the problem of public financing.
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