The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PASS BESTEA BILL AND INVEST IN NATION'S ECONOMY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1857 on April 1, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PASS BESTEA BILL AND INVEST IN NATION'S ECONOMY
(Mr. MASCARA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, one thing that get lost in the debate on BESTEA is the importance of our Nation's highway system. Nearly $6 trillion worth of goods are shipped each year over our country's highways. Seventy-five percent of the total value of our Nation's commodities are shipped interstate over our national highway system.
Our economy depends heavily on our transportation system. Yet we are watching it while it crumbles. Our country has long neglected its infrastructure needs. The condition of our roads and highways continue to decline.
The Department of Transportation estimates that 59 percent of the Nation's highways are in disrepair. These road conditions, poor road conditions, cost American drivers over $23 billion a year, or equivalent to $132 for each driver.
Traffic on our highways has more than doubled in the past 25 years, while new road construction has stagnated. It is time to invest in our Nation's infrastructure. It is time to fix our roads. Join me in voting for H.R. 2400 and invest in our Nation's economy.
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