Bob Kerrey: “I was very disappointed, many of my colleagues down here, a lot of us were disappointed that we were not able to get the…”

“I was very disappointed, many of my colleagues down here, a lot of us were disappointed that we were not able to get the ISTEA legislation passed last year. For me the ISTEA legislation is one of the most important things with which this Congress deals. It creates immediate jobs, employs people in my State, but much more importantly, it adds to the productive capacity out in the future. It contributes to our capacity to be competitive. It enables our families to do what they want to do when they take their leisure time. Our transportation system is enormously important, and it is one of the things we in America have to be proud of. It enables us to maintain our competitive edge and to be able to celebrate. I was encouraged earlier last year when the majority leader indicated that he was going to make this a priority and bring it up right away. I have great respect for Senator Domenici, the chairman of the Budget Committee, who is asking that this legislation be taken up after we get a budget resolution, but that means we will have to get another 6-month extension. That means there will be contract uncertainty out there in the country.”