Frank Lautenberg: “As I earlier stated, I offered an amendment in the conference on this bill to implement a hold-harmless provision to…”

“As I earlier stated, I offered an amendment in the conference on this bill to implement a hold-harmless provision to ensure that, as we added a half billion dollars to the National Highway Program, no State would be cut below the current year's level. Unfortunately, my amendment was not accepted, and we are where we are. Mr. President, this is a scenario that will serve as the backdrop as we attempt to reauthorize ISTEA in the next congressional session. More than half the States will actually see their highway funding cut as we appropriate--a historic funding increase to the National Highway Program. As we approach ISTEA reauthorization, I hope and expect that all Members will focus on these formula issues and work to restore fairness to the highway program so all States will benefit when we add substantial sums to the program. Mr. President, Amtrak funding is a favorite subject of mine; it is a favorite subject, I know, of the chairman of the Finance Committee and of our other colleagues who recognize the value of having Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, improved, maintained and available. When it comes to Amtrak funding, the conference agreement is a vast improvement over the House-passed bill.”