Hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee - Opening Statement of Sen. Thune, Executive Session - Multiple Agenda Items

Hearing

"Before we move to consider today's business agenda, I would like to take a few minutes to underscore the significant work this Committee did as part of the long-term Transportation Reauthorization bill that the President signed into law last Friday.

"One of the most notable facts is that this Committee was responsible for over 600 pages of the 1,300 page conference report. This included a host of important motor vehicle safety, research, freight, passenger rail and other provisions that will pay dividends for years to come.

"This long-term transportation bill was something that many critics claimed was not possible due to recent Congressional gridlock. However, with the good work of many members of this Committee, we were able to address critical gaps when it comes to motor vehicle safety oversight at NHTSA, much needed reform to Amtrak, and other commuter rail needs.

"We also made significant strides by partnering with the Senate EPW Committee regarding a more coordinated approach when it comes to freight transportation priorities at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"We can be proud of the many accomplishments in the FAST Act, which range from Senator Heller's work with Senator Markey on updates to the 5-Star Rating system to provisions encouraging the use of crash avoidance technologies to bipartisan reforms to NHTSA following the scathing Inspector General Report this past year.

"I know both the full committee and our six subcommittees have stayed incredibly active this year, not to mention other on-going Committee inquiries and investigations, but all of this wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for subcommittee chairmen and ranking members who were interested in rolling up their sleeves to get the job done. So, thank you, and let's work toward another productive year in 2016."

Source