the next highway bill, my guess is, is going to be, as is usually the case, a huge fight between large states and small states, donor states and donee states.

If there's not real reform, I think it'll be a missed opportunity for the future of the highway system.

The FRA does need to grant the short-lines' waiver request for small Class II and Class III railroads without further delay.

For agriculture to remain competitive, balance must be brought into the game.

But, some of the ideas under consideration, I think, would involve more dialogue between shippers and railroads.

They're both high priorities. The tax credit has been a high priority within the short-line industry.

How about this $9.3-billion investment that has zero cost benefit?

I think it's important to explore the proper role of the Federal Government in ensuring our transportation system can safely and efficiently move freight and passengers throughout the country.

But, if there's one example, one thing that the Congress ought to be doing right now that would improve--

But for agriculture to remain competitive, balance must be brought into the game.

We greatly appreciate your leadership in developing a proposal that would benefit both rural and urban areas.

We appreciate that you are a co-sponsor of S. 308 and S. 309, bills introduced by Senator Baucus that would strengthen Federal funding for investment in highways in and across rural states.