U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
U.S. Rep. Don Young, Chairman

Contact:  Steve Hansen (Director of Communications)  (202) 225-7749
 Email: Steve.Hansen@mail.house.gov
     Justin Harclerode (Deputy Director of Communications)  (202) 226-8767
  Email: Justin.Harclerod@mail.house.gov

To:  National Desk/Transportation Reporter
November 13, 2002

Transportation Committee Chairman Don Young Pleased With Commitment To Maintain Level Of Highway Investment

        Washington, D.C. - U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Don Young (R-Alaska) received a commitment from House Leadership today that will prevent a decrease in the current level of highway investment and highway industry related jobs.

        The Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by the House today funds government operations through January 11, 2003.  In the previous CR passed by the House last month, Congress agreed to fund government programs at their FY 2002 levels.  However, the CR limited the Highway Program to $27.7 billion - $4.1 billion below its FY 2002 level of $31.8 billion - if a Transportation Appropriations bill was not approved and the CR remained in effect for the entire fiscal year.

        Young led a bipartisan effort in the House to ensure that highway funding would be distributed on a pro-rata basis at the FY 2002 level of $31.8 billion.

        The CR approved by the House today again contained language that would cap Highway Program spending for the full fiscal year at $27.7 billion – well below FY 2002 levels.  Young initially opposed the measure on the House Floor before reaching an agreement with Leadership that the language would be removed before a new CR must be considered in January.  This commitment allowed Transportation Committee Members to vote for the measure, thereby ensuring its passage.

“It’s Imperative That The Highway Program Continue At The Funding Level Of $31.8 Billion” - Chairman Young

        “We can’t be certain that Congress will move quickly to enact appropriations bills in January,” said Young.  “In fact, with reorganization activities and a new majority in the Senate, there is a high level of uncertainty about timing for the entire appropriations process.

        “Because of this uncertainty, it is imperative that we be absolutely clear that the Highway Program will continue at the full enacted funding level of $31.8 billion.

        “It is unfair to single out any program for a cut, especially one as important as the Highway Program.

        “Every dollar of the $31.8 billion funding level we support comes from the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded by fuel taxes paid by highway users.  It is essential that the $27.7 billion cap be removed in January, so that these highway funds can be used to sustain jobs, reduce congestion, and improve our economy.

        “I will hold Leadership to their commitment to address this issue before the next CR comes to the House Floor,” said Young.

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