“I thank the Chairmen for holding this hearing today. Many of you know that I began my congressional career on what was then known as the Public Works and Transportation Committee. One of the main reasons for my move to the Ways and Means Committee centered on this Committee’s work to finance our nation’s transportation system - roads, transit, airways, and ports.
“Transportation has always been a bipartisan issue in Congress. We see this in the legislative proposals before us today. This hearing provides us with an opportunity to hear about the needs of our nation’s waterways.
“Transportation is the key to jobs in Georgia and across the country. My congressional district is home to the largest passenger airport in the world with nearly 90 million passengers each year. My district is only a few hours away from the Port of Savannah, the fourth-largest and fastest-growing container port in the nation. In 2010, $8 billion in cargo goods moved through the Port of Savannah to and from Metro Atlanta.
“Across the state of Georgia, there are almost 300,000 port-related jobs. The ports also contribute over $62 billion in revenue to Georgia’s economy. After the earthquake in Haiti, the Georgia Port Authority contacted us to see how they could support the relief efforts.
“Today, I would like to learn what improvements should be made to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund. We must make sure that it is used for its intended purpose. Our ports must be able to compete internationally. We must move goods, services, and people safely and efficiently.
“I look forward to hearing from all the witnesses. I would like to extend a special welcome to Mr. Jamie McCurry, a former congressional staffer for my good friend and colleague Congressman Jack Kingston. Thank you."
