Richard Shelby: “I am pleased this evening to present the fiscal year 1998 Department of Transportation and related agencies…”

“I am pleased this evening to present the fiscal year 1998 Department of Transportation and related agencies appropriations bill. The subcommittee's allocation was $12.157 billion in nondefense discretionary budget authority, and $36.893 billion in nondefense discretionary outlays. The bill I am presenting today, along with my colleague from New Jersey, Senator Lautenberg, is within those allocations and is consistent with our determination to achieve a balanced budget. This bill will also contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system in this country and therefore contribute to economic growth and a better quality of life for all Americans. This bill provides $30.1 billion for investment in infrastructure that the public uses, that is, highways, transit, airports, and railroads. That represents an 8 percent increase over the administration's request. The bill includes a Federal-aid highway obligation limitation of $21.8 billion for investment in our Nation's highways. This is a record high level. And $1.63 billion above the President's amended budget request.”