Political Quotes

“I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the Graham sense-of-the-Congress resolution regarding the need to continue the exemption of the minimum allocation program from the obligation limitation on Federal-Aid Highway Program funding. This is merely a restatement of the deal made during passage of the most recent highway authorization bill, better known as ISTEA. The agreement on highway funds distribution that we reached during debate on ISTEA ensured a minimum allocation of 90 percent to States, like Michigan, that have been donating more to the Federal Treasury in gas taxes than they have been getting in highway funds in return. This resolution is also a rebuttal to the administration's proposal, included in the fiscal year 1995 budget request, to alter the terms of that deal in a way that would hurt Michigan, and the other donor States. We are already disadvantaged by the existing highway funds distribution formula, and now, under the administration proposal, we would stand to lose a significant portion of the funds that were intended to address that inequity. If the administration's proposal had been applied to the fiscal year 1994 allocations, Michigan could have lost as much as $22 million. Mr. President, my position is well-known. Michigan, and the donor States, still deserve a fairer return on contributions to the Federal Highway Trust Fund.”