Mineta's speech frustrates senators

March 10, 2004
U

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta appeared before the Senate Transportation, Treasury and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee to defend the Bush Administration's FY 2005 budget proposal for transportation. The Administration has proposed flat-lining highway and transit investment at the FY 2004 levels ($33.6 billion for highways; $7.3 billion for transit) through 2009.

U

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta appeared before the Senate Transportation, Treasury and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee to defend the Bush Administration's FY 2005 budget proposal for transportation. The Administration has proposed flat-lining highway and transit investment at the FY 2004 levels ($33.6 billion for highways; $7.3 billion for transit) through 2009.

"Our revised proposal would continue the funding levels for the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration enacted in FY 2004 for each year 2005 through 2009," said Mineta. "Moreover, the FY 2005 President's budget request includes annual increases beginning in 2005 through 2009 for both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that improvements in safety are enhanced."

Following Mineta's statement, several senators expressed frustration with the Administration's position on the reauthorization of TEA-21, particularly in light of the 76-21 recent Senate vote in favor of significantly increasing federal highway and transit investment in the Senate-passed surface transportation program reauthorization bill.

"At some point, we are going to have to spend more money on these programs," said Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah). "If the President were to come back after the election and say we need to raise the gas tax for the first time since Ronald Reagan did it, he would find a sympathetic ear in this senator."

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...