WASHINGTON, D.C. - Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) delivered the following statement today at a hearing on possible long-term measures to finance the Highway Trust Fund, including specific Member proposals that have been introduced in the 111th Congress.
“I call this hearing to order. Please take your seats.
“I want to welcome everyone to this hearing by the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee to explore options for financing our long-term transportation infrastructure needs. We are fortunate to be joined today by the bipartisan leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who come united in their message for a six-year reauthorization bill.
“This Committee has responsibility over the revenues generated to support any authorization. Many of our witnesses today will tell us that current revenues will not be sufficient to cover the costs of maintaining and improving our transportation infrastructure. As we heard at our last Subcommittee hearing a month ago focusing on the needs of the system, all 50 states need substantial revenues simply to maintain the current state of infrastructure, and certainly much more to improve it.
“The Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson said, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel`s sake. The great affair is to move." For many Americans, traveling for travel’s sake no longer carries the same joy it once had. The declining state of our infrastructure, increasing congestion and safety concerns are major reasons why. Whether it is the family cross-country road trip, or a business visit across the state, Congress must ensure that the infrastructure that delivers these travelers is safe, efficient, and modern."
