Transportation

ABOVE: Tammy working on legislation in Committee.

Topics:

• Transportation Infrastructure
• Freight Rail
• High Speed Passenger Rail

If our nation is to thrive in the 21st century economy we must have outstanding transportation systems. Well constructed and maintained roads, bridges, rail facilities, harbors, mass transit systems and airports ensure that businesses can meet the needs of their domestic and international customers, and create good jobs here at home.

Transportation Infrastructure

Periodically, Congress reviews and reauthorizes transportation programs throughout the nation. The current transportation law (SAFTEA-LU) has been extended into 2011. It is time for Congress to act on a new comprehensive transportation program, rather than just extending the old law.

Our nation’s transportation system faces urgent challenges that must be addressed. Our roads and highways are in severe disrepair, and congestion problems are prevalent throughout our country. These problems have caused American businesses to lose productivity due to trucks needing repairs more often and time lost sitting in congestion. Everyone suffers when our roads are not adequately maintained. A well designed transportation bill, when enacted, will provide much needed jobs to thousands of Americans while rebuilding our nation's transportation infrastructure.

In addition, transportation sources account for approximately one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation reauthorization provides an opportunity to focus on development of mass transit systems to reduce traffic congestion and diminish greenhouse gas emissions.

Freight Rail

Railroads currently provide more than 40 percent of intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode of transportation, and employ over 183,000 people. Expanding use of railroads for shipping freight conserves energy, prolongs the life of our highways and reduces our consumption of energy.

While most businesses save money and are well served by railroads, many are hurt by price gouging and anticompetitive practices. The problem has grown as a result of dramatic consolidation in the railroad industry. While railroads were deregulated in 1980, they continue to enjoy an exemption from our nation’s antitrust laws. Now, only four major Class 1 railroads carry 90 percent of our nation’s freight. Lack of competition too often results in shippers receiving unreliable service at exorbitant fees, while railroads reap record profits. Utilities, cooperatives, paper mills and the agricultural sector, among others, have been subject to the rail carriers' rising service costs. As a result, consumers pay more for food, energy and other products.

I am the lead sponsor of the Railroad Antitrust Enforcement Act, which would repeal the railroad antitrust exemptions. The measure will foster competition in the rail carrier market, drive down costs, and provide relief in instances where rail carriers are exploiting their market power in anticompetitive ways. These savings are expected to be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.

High Speed Passenger Rail

Passenger rail service is an important component of a comprehensive transportation system. Efficient, high-speed, inexpensive, interstate passenger rail travel will benefit our economy and our environment.

I strongly support President Obama’s high speed rail initiative. The recent decision by Wisconsin’s governor to turn back federal high speed rail funds is a major blow to Wisconsin’s competitiveness in the 21st century. California, Florida, and other states will now see the benefit from this investment, including job creation.

As a member of the Congressional Rail Caucus and the Midwest High Speed Rail Caucus, I am committed to advocating for policies that will ensure the sustainability of the nation's rail system.

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Transportation

Related Websites:

• Access current information about any bill in Congress at this site, managed by the Library of Congress
  http://thomas.loc.gov