I want to extend a special welcome to Secretary Mineta because we served together on what was then the House Public Works and Transportation Committee. It was during that time that ISTEA [Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act] was enacted and Secretary Mineta was the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee. It is very fitting that you are now administering the second generation of ISTEA. . . I cannot think of a better qualified individual.
With that said, I want to advise you that there are some areas of the President's budget that has caused some concern with respect to what appears to be a diversion of funds from the TEA21 formula. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about how this proposal will protect the delicate TEA21 funding balance . . . and I know I do not need to school you on how delicate that balance is.
Also, as you are aware, the Environment and Public Works Committee has been very concerned with the progress of environmental streamlining implementation. Our disappointment with the proposed rule of last summer has not necessarily been abated. I hope that in your comments will give the subcommittee the assurances it seeks regarding this important TEA21 reform.
Finally, I want today's hearing to be the first of many conversations we have over the next several month on laying the groundwork for reauthorization. I have some new ideas on how I believe we can ensure states have more money to spend on their infrastructure. I appreciate my views may not be shared by others but I believe that if we are going to continue to build on the progress that has been accomplished by ISTEA and TEA21, we need to not shy away from bold ideas. Specifically, I want to explore the option of giving states the opportunity to opt out of a portion of the federal highway program by keeping their gas tax dollars in the state and sending only that portion to Washington that is needed to fund national priorities. I recognized as someone who was taught at the feet of Chairman Bob Roe and Congressman John Paul Hammerschimdt this is a radical idea but one that I believe has merit and deserves discussion.
I am also pleased to have GSA Acting Administrator Thurman Davis to discuss GSA's Public Building program and Judge Jane Roth to update the subcommittee on the housing needs of the US Courts. I had the opportunity to visit with Judge Roth yesterday and she highlighted for me the space requirements of the courts. As I told Judge Roth then, it would be my goal to work diligently with the courts and GSA to address those needs to the greatest extent possible.
With that, I will yield to Senator Baucus for his opening statement.