Congressman Chaka Fattah sees the surface transportation reauthorization (TEA-3) reauthorization as an opportunity to continue bolstering the federal government’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and highway system. Furthermore, TEA-3 is expected to include transportation enhancement policies designed to ensure adequate environmental protections, which Congressman Fattah gladly welcomes.

Transportation Security

In line with his commitment to fortifying overall transportation safety mechanisms, Congressman Fattah voted in favor of the Transportation for America Act of 2001 on November 16th, 2001.

As the 108th Congress prepares to reauthorize The Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, which provides authorization for key functions of the FederalAviation Administration (FAA) through FY2003, Congressman Chaka Fattah anticipates improving the safety and capacity of the national airspace system will be the main focal points. Moreover, government leaders and security experts are concerned that the maritime transportation system could be used by terrorists to smuggle a weapon of mass destruction into the United States. For example, experts have found ports to be vulnerable to terrorist attack because of their size, easy accessibility by water and land, proximity to urban areas, and the tremendous amount of cargo that is typically transferred through them. Congressman Fattah voted on November 14, 2002, in favor of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295), which was signed into law by President Bush.

Congressman Fattah’s support of the measure is mainly explained by the act’s intent of creating a U.S. maritime security system that takes numerous steps to upgrade security at our nation’s ports, and border landings.

Amtrak

Given the important role Amtrak plays for residents along its Northeast Corridor, Congressman Fattah will certainly continue monitoring and supporting legislation that seeks to assist the nation’s premier passenger rail service provider.