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It is an honor to represent the fastest growing urban community in the country that is also home to the largest passenger airport in the world.
Unfortunately, with an economic and population explosion come logistical and commuting challenges for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Over the years, I have led the Georgia delegation in promoting cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly transportation solutions and have initiated the fight against the explosion of billboards on American highways, developed the framework for smoke-free transportation facilities that are now a national standard, and led the congressional fight against visible pollution.
During each appropriations cycle, I resubmit requests to address the many noise issues that come with Georgia's crowded roads and airspace and successfully secure millions of dollars in funding to improve and expand Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Smart Card and Clean Bus programs, the Georgia North Line extension, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the Metro Atlanta water and sewer initiatives.
I use my seniority on the powerful Ways and Means Committee to address issues related to transportation safety and workers, for example, fighting for passengers' rights and fair and equal distribution of air travel taxes during the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Earlier this year, Congress demanded that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) develop a standard for bus manufacturers that would reduce complete and partial ejections in crashes by October 1, 2009. The devastating Bluffton University baseball team accident on I-75 in Atlanta and the work of an amazing trauma team at Grady Memorial Hospital were a deadly reminder of the importance of safety standards.
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