John Sarbanes: “As has already been noted, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21, will expire on September…”

“As has already been noted, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21, will expire on September 30 of this year. This Congress will have the opportunity to craft legislation that will shape America's surface transportation system for the next decade and beyond. The decisions we make will be critically important to our Nation's future economic strength, the quality of our environment, and our national security. Therefore, as we consider this budget resolution, and engage in the debate about how best to use our limited Federal resources, I believe it is appropriate to take a few moments to consider what is contained in this budget resolution, what this amendment seeks to accomplish, and the importance of our surface transportation system for America's future. Unfortunately, the budget resolution before us does not come close to making the necessary investment in surface transportation.”