Max Baucus: “I have long argued for the return of these revenues to transportation programs--approximately $7 billion annually. In…”

“I have long argued for the return of these revenues to transportation programs--approximately $7 billion annually. In fact, I recently introduced legislation to transfer the 4.3 cents to transportation programs--3.8 cents to the highway account of the highway trust fund and 0.5 cents to be used to maintain this Nation's national passenger rail system or Amtrak. While this sense-of-the-Senate amendment unfortunately does not address Amtrak, I feel it is important for the Senate to express its support for redirecting the 4.3 cents to transportation purposes. That is why I have voted for this amendment. As this sense-of-the-Senate amendment is nonbinding, it is important to ensure that the transfer of the 4.3 cents for transportation actually takes place. Transportation investments are the key to this Nation's economic future. Our ability to compete in today's global economy is tied to an efficient and safe intermodal transportation system--highways, transit, Amtrak, and other modes.”