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Transportation
Transportation remains a top priority for me because of its impact on North Alabama. I firmly believe that the state's transportation system fuels economic development in the area and is vital to our continued growth in the region.Over the years I've worked hard to make sure that North Alabama receives its fair share of
federal transportation funding. This is important because without this money many of the projects that are currently underway or that are being considered by the state wouldn't be possible. Through my seat on the House Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, I've been in position each year to ensure that we successfully fund these transportation priorities.Beyond funding though, there are a number of transportation issues that must be
addressed to ensure that our transportation networks operate safely and efficiently. From congestion on our roads to port security, we've reached a point in time when problems in one transportation mode can have a sever impact on all the other modes. Current Legislation (Updated September 24, 2007)
H.R. 1195, To amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make technical corrections, and for other purposes: Every six years, Congress takes up legislation that authorizes the nation's transportation priorities. That measure, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), passed the House last year. This bill makes technical corrections to SAFETEA-LU and passed the House by voice vote on March 26, 2007 and has since moved to the Senate for consideration.
H.R. 1401, Rail and Public Transportation Security Act: This bill would create a variety of new programs, enforce a multitude of new intergovernmental and private-sector mandates, and increase authorizations for rail and public transportation (including over-the-road bus) security. It passed the House of March 27, 2007 by a vote of 299-124. The Senate has not yet acted on the bill.
While security of our transportation system is vital, I had concerns and voted against this bill. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost estimate shows that the bill would authorize $7.3 billion over five years and is packed with mandates on state governments, local governments, and private-sector entities, the costs of which would "substantially exceed" the threshold established in UMRA (Unfunded Mandates Reform Act).