Political Quotes

“Senators Chafee, Bond, Warner, and Baucus are to be commended upon their successful negotiations with the House to produce a short-term extension to the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act [ISTEA] of 1991. This bill will provide the States with the necessary funding while Congress completes its consideration of a 6-year authorization bill early next year. I am pleased that the agreement authorizes the States to spend up to $9.7 billion in highway funds and up to nearly $3 billion in transit funds over the next 7 months. The bill also provides an additional $5.5 billion in advance contract authority for the future continuation of our highway program. The bill provides States with flexibility to transfer money among program categories. The Secretary of Transportation is required to ensure, however, that all transferred funds be restored to their original intended use once a long-term bill ISTEA is passed. I intend to join with my colleagues to make sure that the Secretary faithfully carries out this directive and that none of ISTEA's key environmental programs, like CMAQ and Enhancements, will suffer because of the flexibility granted in this measure. The bill also provides $78.5 million directly to the metropolitan planning organizations, so they will not be adversely affected by this flexibility provision. New York will be apportioned $325 million in new highway funds and $380 million in transit funds.”