Thomas E. Petri: “today's budget vote has unique significance to the reauthorization of ISTEA, since it locks in for the next several…”

“today's budget vote has unique significance to the reauthorization of ISTEA, since it locks in for the next several years the amount of transportation spending that we can include in a reauthorization bill. All Members representing donor States and donee States who have come to plead their case before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure should pay special attention to the budget vote later today. Donor States want more equitable highway formulas, and I know their frustration, because I come from a donor State. Donee States want to protect their current shares. Without more funding than is provided in the budget agreement, it will be impossible to satisfy all of the States, so both donor and donee States should be on notice that they will have to live with the ramification of today's budget vote for years to come. Support the amendment of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure which increases funding for ISTEA, does not result in any cuts next year, and simply spends new revenues to keep the current $24 billion highway trust fund balance stable. The ISTEA reauthorization debate begins today. Vote ``yes'' on the Shuster- Oberstar amendment.”