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.
“The Ways and Means Committee has responsibility over taxes dedicated to the Highway Trust Fund, for highway and transit needs. Trust fund expenditures need to be reauthorized as part of the six-year bill that our colleagues at the Transportation Committee have been envisioning.
“Additionally, there is a shortfall in the Fund for this year’s activities and Congress must decide how to handle that issue sooner rather than later.
“Our witnesses today will tell us about the price we pay for congestion. They will tell us about the toll on the environment because of clogged roads and energy inefficiency. And they will warn us of the dangers of an aging infrastructure, at the forefront of every debate about transportation needs especially considering the tragic event this week in Washington."
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.
“Many know that the Atlanta Metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. As a result, commuters sit in traffic for about 60 hours each year. Last year, Forbes magazine declared the Atlanta Metro Area as the worst city in the country for commuters. Unfortunately, this was no surprise to my constituents.
“The Highway Trust Fund was established in 1956 to provide a dedicated source of federal support for our nation’s highways and transit programs. The Highway Trust Fund’s balance continues to diminish every year. Last year, Congress adopted and the President signed H.R. 6532, a law that made an emergency transfer of $8.017 billion to keep the Highway Trust Fund solvent.
“Unfortunately, the Highway Trust Fund is expected to run out of money again in a few months. We must make the Highway Trust Fund more stable. As a start, I have introduced H.R. 2391, the Highway Trust Fund Fairness Act, which proposes some changes to the administration of the Trust Fund. This legislation is one of the many options on the table to address the much larger issue of solvency.
“To carry out our duties, we must take a holistic approach, and learn about national, regional, and state transportation needs. Later in this Congress, we will review how these needs will be funded. I am particularly proud to have Dr. Beverly Scott, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), as a witness today. A constituent, leader, and expert on our nation’s transportation needs, Dr. Scott will really explain what the situation is on the front lines.
“Our transportation system plays a critical role in our economy and the quality of our lives. We need to develop a Federal policy that pushes highway safety, reduces congestion, addresses urban growth, and offers smart transportation options to all. This is the goal. This is what America needs.
“Thank you."
