Mark Warner: “Only insofar as the fiscal year 1997 allocations are a reflection of the formulas that were operating in the final year…”

“Only insofar as the fiscal year 1997 allocations are a reflection of the formulas that were operating in the final year of ISTEA. However, this bill is formula neutral. We are simply allowing States to use a portion of their unobligated balances with a nominal amount of new contract authority. This will not and should not change any States' relative bargaining position when we finally act on a longer-term authorization bill which provides new obligation authority to the States for fiscal year 1998 and beyond.”