Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), my partner in this endeavor, very much for those extremely kind words and for yielding me this time. It is always a pleasure working with him on any transportation issue, because no one, not only in this country but no one on this Earth, knows as much about transportation as the gentleman from Minnesota does.

I want to begin today by thanking all of my colleagues on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from both sides of the aisle for all of their efforts and dedication. Many of my colleagues in this body have spent many, many hours meeting with countless numbers of individuals and organizations to hear their views.

In particular, I give special mention to three individuals, the chairman of our committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), who has been tireless in trying to develop a bill that will aid and assist us in this country in improving our transportation and infrastructure; the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), who I mentioned earlier, and who, as I said, knows more about transportation than anyone that you will ever encounter, for the great help that he has been in formulating this bill; and the gentleman from Wisconsin, (Mr. Petri), who has gone around the country and seen firsthand so many, many of the needs we have here. He has really been the individual who has brought so much information back to us, telling us where the needs really existed in this country.

These three Members have provided tremendous leadership in getting this bill to where we are today. However, it should not be viewed that this bill was crafted only by members of our committee. Since our committee began to work on this bill, we have asked for and received input and comments from almost every single Member in this body. We have held dozens of hearings, with the active participation of many of my colleagues in this Chamber. And, most importantly, we have listened to what they had to say.

Because of this and the bipartisan history of this committee, I believe we have a very good piece of legislation that reflects many different priorities promoted by Members who represent diverse constituencies and interests. It truly is democracy at work.

As I have said, I believe we have a very solid piece of legislation. While I will be the first one to say that it is not entirely perfect, there is no doubt in my mind that at this particular time this bill is as perfect as we can make it. We have made some significant strides in improving this country's infrastructure, and these accomplishments will benefit Americans now and into the future.

In this bill we have increased funding from $218 billion to $275 billion. While this is not the original funding level proposed by the committee, this still represents a decent increase.

It is important to bear in mind that this legislation is not just about money. It is not just about funding. It is also about innovation and moving transportation policy in new directions. There are many, many things we can point to in this bill. This bill contains new initiatives that will improve our quality of life. We have strengthened current programs to meet our existing conditions, and we have expanded and created new programs to address the needs of today and prepare for the needs of the future.

This bill creates a number of such programs, such as a new and improved National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement program, Highway Safety Improvement program, Small Starts Transit program, and Safe Routes to Schools. This is certainly not the entire list of new programs, but these are examples of new programs that will represent the collected efforts of many individuals and many organizations that have contributed to this bill on the floor today.

Other important programs included are an improved clean fuels formula grant for nonattainment areas like northeastern Illinois, Southern California, New York City, and Washington, D.C. These funds will help transit agencies purchase clean fuel buses and help improve our air quality. Improving air quality is just one of the many important public policy needs that the TEA LU bill addresses.

In this bill, it is recognized that transit is not just for big cities; it is also a growing need in rural communities. To help meet the needs of rural America, we have increased funding to the section 5311 program.

Time after time, survey after survey, Americans point to traffic congestion as a growing and serious problem in

this country. In 2001 alone, congestion costs this country $69.5 billion. And, on average, Americans lose 27 hours a year due to delays. As congestion levels continue to rise in the United States, we must focus on modernizing our vital transportation infrastructure and improving the quality of life for all Americans. By targeting Federal resources for specific purposes, this bill would also help improve congestion in major urban areas across this country by creating a safer, more efficient infrastructure for the millions of Americans who use our roads, highways, railways, and bridges each day.

As we continue to move forward with TEA LU, it is easier to think about what may have been. Yes, it would have been nice to have a $375 billion bill; but because of this administration's opposition to raising the highway user fee, this is the hand that we have been dealt. Right here and right now, this is the most practical way to maintain highways, roadways, buses and subways, and protect the safety of the American public.

This bill is a significant step in the right direction. It is a step towards improving our communities, a step towards helping folks spends less time commuting and more time with their families and loved ones; it is a step towards safer travel; and it is a step towards cleaner air. I hope you will take this step with me and lend us your support.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I would also ask that the committee give this issue more review and consideration as we consider future legislation, be it a technical correction amendments or the reopener legislation that the bill before us envisions.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

There are at least three other, and perhaps four other, industries in this country that have come to me asking for an exemption from this hours of service rule, and we have looked at it very closely, and we feel very strongly that these exemptions should not be granted.

I am a long-time supporter of the Teamsters. I do not think there is an issue that has come before this House that I have not been on their side, but there are some times that we have to protect people from themselves. Consequently, I have to strongly oppose this amendment.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to say I compliment my colleague from Illinois for putting this amendment forward. It certainly is an issue that has been uppermost in my mind and in Speaker Hastert's mind for a long period of time.

In speaking to him about this particular amendment, we came to the conclusion that it would be more prudent and wiser to work this out as we move into the conference. I am sure, based upon many conversations I have had, that we will be able to work this out satisfactorily. I simply want to give him my support.

I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk) for the colloquy that they just had.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3783, the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2004.

This bill would extend surface transportation funding for an additional 4 months, from March 2004 through June 2004. TEA-21 expired on September 30, 2003. Current funds are flowing because we passed a 5- month extension last year. The Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2003 extended our highway and transit programs through February 29. That is only a short 2 weeks away. That is why we need to once again pass another extension to avoid

disruption of Federal surface transportation programs. If we do not pass an extension by February 29, current law would essentially cut off highway and transit funding as of March 1. That would result in devastating impacts to every single State in the Union.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3783 would extend the current programs and authorize a total of $32 billion in continued funding through June 2004. This bill would authorize $26.4 billion for highway programs, $5.4 billion for transit programs, and $499 million for motor carrier safety and highway safety programs. We need to pass this bill because it will keep our Nation moving.

However, I believe the real debate today is not just about the need for this extension, because we all know we need to pass it and sign it into law. The real debate today is about the need to pass a multi-year authorization bill at a robust funding level that will adequately address our surface transportation needs. The real debate today is why the administration is shortsighted and shortchanging the great American middle class.

Last year, the administration's $247 billion SAFETEA proposal was too little too late. Even with the revised funding level of $256 billion, it is still too little and too late. Most recent figures showed the U.S. unemployment rate is at 5.6 percent. Millions of Americans are still unemployed. They are struggling to put food on their kitchen tables. With our sluggish national economy and millions of Americans out of work, we need something much more than the administration's SAFETEA proposal.

What this Nation needs is a robust public works funding package, and SAFETEA just is not it. What we need is H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act, A Legacy for Users. Under the leadership of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri), and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), this proposal on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure would authorize $375 billion over 6 years.

Some have criticized that our proposed surface transportation funding will bust the budget and worsen the Federal deficit. Let us be clear about this, nothing could be further from the truth.

Ronald Wilson Reagan knew that fact. In 1982, he said that the highway program will not increase the Federal deficit because the Highway Trust Fund is off budget and because it is funded through user fees. It is a pay-as-you-go system that is deficit neutral.

In addition, I believe, just as Ronald Wilson Reagan believed when he asked Congress to raise the highway user fee by five cents, that highway user fees are simply good tax policy.

Let us pass the extension now because we need to do it. But, most importantly, let us pass a robust multi-year transportation funding bill because we ought to do it. Just as George Herbert Walker Bush said when he signed ISTEA into law back in December of 1991, this bill really is about one thing. It is all about jobs, jobs, jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) on those excellent remarks of his.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the full committee.

Mr. Speaker, could the Chair inform me how much time I have left.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute 25 seconds to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 35 seconds to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay tribute to the legacy of my dear friend and outstanding colleague, Senator Paul Simon. A man of great character, deep integrity, and relentless fortitude, Paul Simon graced the stage of Illinois politics for 43 years leaving an indelible mark on the face of American government and the hearts of the people of Illinois.

Beginning as a small-town newspaper editor in Troy, Illinois, Paul Simon quickly left his mark on the minds of Illinoisans with his corruption-busting headlines and head turning liberalism. In 1954, Paul Simon embarked on his legendary political journey. First as a member of the Illinois State Legislature to lieutenant governor to Member of Congress to eventual Presidential aspirant, Paul Simon became a steadfast figure in the tomes of political history.

Quietly and honestly he garnered the respect and appreciation of millions of voters and his many colleagues across the political spectrum. He efficiently championed literacy, hunger, immigration, budget reforms, missing children's programs, and higher education. Senator Simon embraced change, pioneered for reform, and challenged a system that he sought to make better.

As a Member of the House and Senate, he advocated for a balanced budget, endeavored to overhaul the federal student loan program so all young people could have a chance at college, and was instrumental in leading efforts to curb television violence and protect America's exploited children.

Genuinely concerned for the future of America and our culture, Senator Simon served as a role model for public service and the conscience of the Senate. Paul Simon challenged America to reach out to people within our nation and make sure opportunity existed here for everyone.

With his retirement from the Senate in 1996, Senator Simon founded the Public Policy Institute of Southern Illinois University to impart his knowledge and political wisdom on future generations. He believed honesty and integrity were the cornerstones of character and the makings of a great politician were based on these virtues. It is by these virtues he is remembered and honored as one of America's greatest political icons.

Mr. Speaker, Senator Simon was a man of great dignity, honor, and passion. Respected and loved by all, he is remembered fondly across all parties in all circles of government and in the hearts of millions. Senator Simon will be greatly missed and it is our duty and our honor to remember his 43 years of public service to Illinois and the integrity he brought to this nation. He will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable Chicagoan, Jerry Krause, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for my hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. I would like to congratulate Jerry Krause on eighteen successful seasons as General Manger and as the architect of the Bulls' six World Championship Titles. Since 1985, Jerry Krause has played a major role in building domineering teams for Chicago and has twice been named NBA Executive of the Year by his peers in the 1987-88 and 1995-96 seasons.

Jerry Krause brought with him a vision of how to build a championship team and he proceeded to create one of the most dominant champions of all time. No basketball fan in America can begin to imagine the Chicago Bulls without his imprint. When Jerry Krause arrived on the scene, Michael Jordan was the only present piece of what would become the foundation of the Bulls' dynasty. Two years later, he began surrounding Jordan with the key players who would help turn the Bulls into champions. Jerry Krause drafted such renowned players as Scottie Pippen, Charles Oakley, Horace Grant, B.J. Armstrong, Will Perdue, Toni Kukoc, Elton Brand, Steve Kerr, Marcus Fizer, Jamal Crawford, Jerry Sloan, Clifford Ray, Brad Davis, Trenton Hassell, Jay Williams; signed key players Ron Harper, John Paxson, Scott Williams, Ron Mercer, Eddie Robinson, Corie Blount, Donyell Marshall; traded for Bill Cartwright, Dennis Rodman and a host of others who wore the Bulls uniform during those championship seasons.

Jerry Krause has a skillful eye for spotting basketball talent and an insightful mentality of how to build a winning team. He helped to build the dominant NBA team of the 1990s. With Jerry Krause as GM, the Bulls won six titles behind the play of Michael Jordan. One of Jerry Krause's most brilliant moves was bringing the man who could possibly be the greatest coach in NBA history into the league. During the summer of 1987, he hired Phil Jackson as an assistant coach and later on as head coach. Jackson has since tied Red Auerbach with nine NBA titles, the most in NBA history. He then hired replacement Tim Floyd, and current head coach Bill Cartwright. Jerry Krause also influenced drafting Hall of Fame players, Earl Monroe and Wes Unseld, and four NBA Rookies of the year with Monroe, Unseld, Alvin Adams and Brand. Jerry Krause effectively laid the foundation for the Chicago Bulls' decade of dominance.

Jerry Krause became the Bulls' GM in 1985 after working for Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf as a scout with baseball's Chicago White Sox. He made a reputation in the NBA as a super-scout for the Baltimore Bullets in the late 1960s. With over 34 years of experience in professional sports, Jerry Krause has served as a scout for Baltimore, Chicago, Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers. For 16-years before the Bulls, his career soared as scout and special assignment scout with the Cleveland Indians, Oakland A's, Seattle Mariners, and Chicago White Sox.

After 19 years and six championships, Jerry Krause is stepping away as the General Manager of the team that he loves. All of the moves paid off as Chicago won six titles from 1991-98, setting an NBA record with 72 victories in the 1995-96 season. The Bulls honored Jerry Krause during a halftime ceremony on Oct. 31, 2003, raising a banner to the United Center rafters in homage to their former general manager.

The NBA, team, and fans alike will greatly miss Jerry Krause upon his resignation. It is my pleasure to recognize Jerry Krause for his love for the game and passion for winning. I extend my heartiest wishes and warmest regards in all his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, as Jerry Krause leaves behind a long and rich history with the Chicago Bulls, I would ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this great man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jon Fey for his 27 years of dedication to the community of Berwyn, Illinois, located in my District on the southwest side of Chicago. Mr. Fey will be presented with the Berwyn Development Corporation's 2003 ``Charles E. Piper Award'' at a distinguished ceremony on November 8, 2003.

I am honored to pay tribute to Jon for his dedication and years of service to building a better Berwyn. He is the founder and owner of SWF Products, a national promotional products business on Ogden Avenue in Berwyn. Jon graduated from Miami University, Ohio, earning a degree in Business Administration, and since has joined his family in generations of successful entrepreneurs.

Jon Fey is the current president of the Berwyn Development Corporation, a charitable and educational nonprofit organization that has enhanced the community for twenty years. I salute him for his active involvement in the community and commend the BDC as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. Jon Fey and the BDC are dedicated to improving the overall business climate in the City of Berwyn. Presently, Jon is responsible for the creation of the New Business Taskforce within the BDC, generating business contacts and interest in local opportunities. Past accomplishments also include sitting on the board for two terms, participating over the years as Treasurer, serving as a member and chairman of the organization's Ogden Avenue/South Berwyn Depot District TIF Advisory Commission, and as a member of the Commercial Load Committee.

The commitment and energy given by Jon Fey to his community have been an inspiration to many individuals. Since 1990, he has contributed valuable time and effort as president of the Berwyn Preservation of Historic Route 66. Jon continues his involvement and support of the annual Berwyn Historic Route 66 Car Show Committee, which promotes the Ogden Avenue business district in Berwyn and draws thousands of vintage car enthusiasts to the area.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Jon Fey on his achievements and wish Jon many years of future success.

Mr. Chairman, October of last year, I voted against the Authorization for Military Force Against Iraq. Leading up to that vote, the Administration supplied a wide array of reasons justifying an immediate invasion, reasons that they had to revise, change, and pull back. Some examples are: the Administration initially claimed, when they first started advocating the use of military force, there was a link between Saddam Hussein and the September 11th attacks, however, British and U.S. intelligence revealed that was not true; around the same time, the Administration claimed they had the authority to remove Saddam Hussein under a 1998 resolution, however, the authorization of military forces was later brought before Congress at the President's request; the Administration said it was prepared to go it alone, and then decided to ask for the support of as many allies as possible, including the United Nations; the Administration claimed Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and delivery systems capable of reaching beyond their borders, yet this assertion has since been proven false by the intelligence community and coalition forces. These are some examples of the mixed message from the Administration. One final concern I had was the failure of the Administration to answer the question as to the timing of abandoning the containment policy that had been working for the past decade.

In March, with over one hundred thousand Coalition forces in and around Iraq, I stated we could not turn back. The fact remained that Saddam Hussein was a vicious and brutal dictator and the Iraqi people, Middle East security and the security of the entire world would be better off without him. To not liberate Iraq at that point would be detrimental to American leadership in the world. As I predicted at the start of the war, the troops' actions resulted in a quick resolution of the war but led to prolonged occupation involving guerrilla operations.

With each week that goes by, we continue to lose more American lives in Iraq. Recently, President Bush requested an additional $87 billion to pay for the occupation and rebuilding of Iraq. While I am not against increasing funds to stabilize Iraq, the Administration must provide more than a mere spending request. A clear and workable plan is necessary.

Furthermore, I believe a broader post-war contingency is needed consisting not only of American and other coalition soldiers but also military police, civilian advisors, and international troops. In addition, I support continued efforts to return control back to the Iraqi people. By training Iraqi police forces, government employees, and civilian personnel, we will be leading the nation and the Iraqi people toward a more stable and efficient democracy. This is an approach top State Department and Pentagon officials have recently stated is necessary as part of the post-war strategy.

Now, more than ever, America needs the monetary and manpower support of our allies to rebuild Iraq. We should diligently re-establish relations with the international community so peace and stability can be brought to the region. The United States should begin working immediately with the United Nations and our friends around the world to share in all aspects of the post-war reconsideration efforts. More flexibility is needed in allowing other nations to share in the rebuilding process. Securing Iraq unilaterally has the potential for failure; therefore, involving other countries in the nation-building efforts should be a core objective.

Some have argued we have already invested too much in Iraq and we need to pull all of our troops out immediately. However, abandoning post-war operations in Iraq now is simply not an option. Leaving now not only would be damaging to the Iraqi people, but would also weaken America's position on the world stage. The consequences for the United States in the Middle East would be severe. Larger efforts by the Administration to help bring the international community into the fold are necessary, but so are our continued Iraq rebuilding efforts. Even if other countries refuse to participate, the United States cannot afford to have this job left unfinished now, and we must continue to strongly support efforts to provide Iraq with stability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding organization from my District on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. I would like to honor the Desplaines Valley News in celebrating 90 years of service to its community this year.

Founded as ``the People's Paper'' on October 13, 1913 by A.S. Bushkevitz in Lemont, Illinois, The Desplaines Valley News now serves twelve suburbs southwest of Chicago and provides circulation to the communities of Argo-Summit, Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Countryside, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, Lyons, McCook, Willow Springs and the LaGrange Highlands.

This neighborhood newspaper has provided uninterrupted news coverage on local, state, and national events every week for the past nine decades. Since 1986, the John C. Noonan family has been dedicated to publishing the Desplaines Valley News. Currently, the Noonan family distributes the weekly publication to subscribers both through newsprint and the internet.

I would like to pay tribute to the Desplaines Valley News, as it is a shining example of the ideals under which our nation was founded.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Desplaines Valley News for the many years it has provided services to the community and wish them the very best in the years yet to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable craftsman and community leader from my District on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. I would like to honor Alex Kazmierczak, Jr., on achieving two milestones in his life, celebrating his 65th birthday and retiring after forty-one years in the plumbing service.

Mr. Kazmierczak has been employed by C.J. Erickson Plumbing Company since 1959. He is a man dedicated to his field. Alex has spent his career involved with such prominent organizations as the Plumbers Union Local 130 and the National Underground Contractors Association, as well as affiliated with the Ground Hog Club and the South Side Master Plumbers Social Club.

The strength of this man is measured by his love for his wife, family, faith, friends and community. Alex and his wife, Rosemary, have been married for 41 years and they have been blessed with a wonderful family of four children and seven grandchildren. The family has been a part of the St. Gerald Parish for over 36 years.

The commitment, dedication and energy given by Alex Kazmierczak to his community have been an inspiration to many individuals. For 12 years, Alex served as Commissioner for the Oak Lawn Park District. He has coached youth hockey and baseball teams in Oak Lawn and even initiated the District's T-ball program.

His civic duties are still called upon him today as he sits as a member on the Oak Lawn Board of Appeals, Service Commission, and as chairman for Oak Lawn Parks Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Alex Kazmierczak, Jr., on his achievements and wish Alex many years of future success.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, my good friend the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), for yielding time, and I want to state that I rise in very strong support of H.R. 3087. We know why we have to pass this legislation. It is a 5-month extension. We have to keep the projects that are going on continuing to move through the system. We have to continue to keep people working. So there is no doubt in my mind that this bill should be passed, will be passed, and has to be passed.

I believe that we on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), the ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) and myself and the staff on both sides of the committee, have worked very, very hard in producing a 6-year bill. I think we have overwhelming support on the committee for a bill that will generate $375 billion.

That is what not only we believe is necessary for an adequate bill, but I believe that people in the administration feel that way and people in the Senate feel that way. The Senate itself has come up with a bill of approximately $317 billion. They feel that that is probably the most that we can get.

But I think that most of us in the House on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure still refuse to accept the scaling down of this bill. I believe that we can get $375 billion by spending down the trust fund, by collecting the interest into the trust fund that now goes to general revenue, by making a couple of fixes pertaining to the ethanol situation, and by either bonding, indexing, or increasing the user fee, and remember, it is a user fee. No greater American than Ronald Reagan said it was a user fee. He said a nickel for America is not too much to expect.

So we on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on both sides of the aisle I know will redouble our effort between now and the time that this extension expires to bring in a bill that will adequately address the infrastructure and transportation and transit needs of this Republic. I know that the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) is committed to that, I know that the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) is committed to that, I know that the gentleman from Minnesota (Ranking Member Oberstar) is committed to that, and I am certainly committed to that.

So let us move forward with this 5-month extension, but let us redouble our efforts to produce a bill that brings the American people $375 billion.

Mr. Chairman, as we debate H.R. 2557, the Water Resources Department Act today, I think it is important to take careful note of intent of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Section 5007 of the bill in fact instructs that certain projects' reports and construction be expedited. I would like to highlight the fact that the Lucas Berg Pit project is among those reports directed to be expedited.

Lucas Berg Pit is in Worth in my district, the third district of Illinois. Work on Lucas Berg Pit was initiated in FY 2003. This work is ongoing, but it is taking longer than necessary. It is my hope that the Army Corps of Engineers will take notice of the Congressional intent and expedite the Lucas Berg Pit project, as directed in this important water resources legislation. I look forward to working with the Army Corps' Rock Island District on this vital project.

Mr. Speaker, on May 14 of this year, after months and months of delay, the administration finally released their TEA-21 reauthorization proposal. Called SAFETEA, the administration's proposal will authorize $247 billion for surface transportation programs.

In contrast, TEA-21 authorized $218 billion over 6 years for our Nation's surface transportation needs. While the landmark legislation made tremendous advancements towards addressing those needs, we still have much work to do. The next reauthorization must advance on the successes and priorities of TEA-21 and take into account our future needs as well.

Unfortunately, SAFETEA fails miserably in that regard. When we factor in inflation, SAFETEA's $247 billion funding level would mean a flatline of current transportation spending.

While I admire the administration's laser-like focus on flatlining surface transportation investments in their proposal, the fact of the matter is that SAFETEA is shortsighted and inadequate.

The administration's SAFETEA proposal is too little, too late, especially in today's gloomy economy. We now have 6.1 percent unemployment rate. This is the highest level since July, 1994. The unemployment rate for construction workers is even higher at 7.1 percent. In a time where nearly 9 million Americans are out of work, over 4 million Americans are underemployed, and nearly 2 million Americans have been out of a job for more than 6 months, we need something more than SAFETEA.

What this Nation needs is a bold and innovative economic stimulus plan. What this Nation needs is a robust public works funding package, and what the administration has proposed just is not it.

What we need is the proposal laid out by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Under the leadership of the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the committee is working on a $375 billion reauthorization bill. Mr. Speaker, $375 billion is within the funding levels recommended by the U.S. DOT's ``Conditions and Performance Report.'' Mr. Speaker, $375 billion is needed to maintain and improve our highways and transit systems.

I strongly believe that TEA-LU will adequately fund our national surface transportation needs. And just as important, it will be a shot in the arm for our struggling national economy. It will create jobs and put people back to work.

Over the last several months, much of the debate has centered on the highway user fee, or gas tax. User fees and taxes are never popular, but leadership requires making tough decisions.

Let us be perfectly clear. I support an increase in the highway user fee. I support depositing these revenues in the Highway Trust Fund to pay for surface transportation needs, and I do not stand alone on this.

In fact, I stand with the majority of Americans on this issue. In a poll conducted by Zogby International in June 2003, 67 percent of those surveyed supported an increase in the highway user fee of up to 5 cents per gallon, provided those revenues went towards infrastructure improvements.

Putting this into perspective, a 5-cent increase in the highway user fee on gasoline will cost the average motorist an additional $30 per year, which is about the same price as an oil change nowadays.

Instead of getting bogged down with the concept of user fees and taxes, we should all take a page from the history books.

Let us look back to 1982. Let us not forget that this Nation was in the midst of a recession when Ronald Wilson Reagan, a native Illinoisan, signed into law the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, a bill that raised the gas tax by 5 cents. In his wisdom, he knew the importance of increasing highway and transit funding. He knew the importance of investing for the future. He knew that the cost to the average motorist would be small, while the benefits to the national transportation system would be immense. But most importantly, Ronald Reagan knew that a $151 billion surface transportation funding bill would create jobs and provide immense benefits for a sluggish economy stuck in a recession back in 1982.

Reagan also pointed out that the gas tax is not a tax, it is a user fee. An increase in the highway user fee would simply be deposited in the Highway Trust Fund, and there it would be used to improve our Nation's transportation system and would have no impact on our Federal deficit.

Highway user fees are, as President Reagan noted, simply good tax policy.

His successor, President George Herbert Walker Bush, also recognized the importance of public works investments and economic vitality. When he signed ISTEA into law in 1991, he said the highway bill could be summed up in three words: ``jobs, jobs, jobs.'' That is just as true today.

Each $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates 47,500 jobs and $6.1 billion in related economic activity. For the price of a few cents per gallon, we can craft a $375 billion transportation investment bill that would potentially create millions of new jobs. That is an investment for our American working families today as well as an investment for our Nation's future. For the price of a simple oil change, we can reauthorize the Highway Trust Fund at $375 billion. It would not only ensure our transportation system will be second to none in the world; it would also create jobs and stimulate the economy without impacting the Federal deficit. What is not to like?

But right here, right now, it is really about jobs, jobs, jobs. We need to create good-paying jobs. We need to put people back to work. We need a $375 billion surface transportation bill.

Let us not lose sight of these public policy objectives in these trying economic times.

In conclusion, let me once again say that the sure way to improve this economy, to improve transportation, to improve highways in this country is to

support a bill for $375 billion that will ensure America being, as it is today, the leader in the world in transportation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to pay tribute to an outstanding member of my community, Edward A. Sprinkle, in honor of celebrating his 80th birthday on September 3, 2003.

Edward Sprinkle was born and raised in Bradshaw, Texas and attended Tuscola High School where he started his long career in one of nation's greatest pastimes, football. In 1943, Edward Sprinkle entered the United States Naval Academy; however in 1944, he was recruited by the hailed Chicago Bears.

From 1944 to 1956, Sprinkle entertained many with his talents on the football field. Sprinkle was honored with the NFL All League Award six times throughout his career, played in four pro bowls, has been honored as one of the top 300 players in the NFL, and has also been inducted into the Chicago Sports Hall of Fame and the Helms Football Hall of Fame.

Besides his greatest achievements on the football field, Edward Sprinkle has many things to be thankful for off the field too. Edward Sprinkle was happily married to his lovely bride Marian Elizabeth Carlson for 57 years. Edward and Marian have three children, Edward Alan Sprinkle, Robert Steven Sprinkle and Susan Jane (Zima) Withers. They have five grandchildren: Steven, Alan, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Paul, and two great-grandchildren: Steven and Jacob. Edward Sprinkle has worked for Inland Steel and owned his own company too, Ed Sprinkle Tile Company.

Mr. Speaker, I feel honored to be able to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Edward Sprinkle and his family as they celebrate Edward's 80th Birthday and continue to share in the many memories of football and wonderful family milestones.