James Oberstar: “I would just say it was quite a coincidence that just as we began, or just before beginning consideration of this bill…”

“I would just say it was quite a coincidence that just as we began, or just before beginning consideration of this bill, the papers arrived from the other body, signaling that we are ready, perhaps tomorrow, to move to go to conference. That is a good sign: Appoint conferees, and return from the Memorial Day recess ready to, well, I would not say roll up our sleeves, because it will be short-sleeve time by then, but to go to work on the conference report and bridge the differences, literally, between the two bodies and two versions of the bill with the least amount of interference from the executive branch of government. Left to our own devices, the House and the Senate will come to agreement on the conference report and do what is good and necessary for the country in transportation. Mr. Speaker, almost 20 months ago, on September 24, 2003, when this House was considering the first surface transportation extension bill, I stated: ``I am afraid . . . we will be back here on this floor once again pleading for another extension of time to keep transportation programs from once again expiring . . . I do not want to be back on this floor saying again what I said six years ago, time is running out.'' What I predicted then has repeatedly proven correct--we have had six extensions since that day. And here we are today pleading once again for a temporary extension of authorizations for highway construction, highway safety, and public transportation funding.…”