Hearing Of The Senate Committee On Commerce, Science, And Transportation - Hearing To Review The Department Of Transportation Fiscal Year 2011 Budget

Statement

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's hearing. And welcome, Deputy Secretary Porcari. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the President's proposed transportation budget for fiscal year 2011 with you, particularly the policy implications the budget has for programs under the Commerce Committee's jurisdiction.

I have several observations about the proposed DOT budget. First, I think we all appreciate the budget's proposal to increase NextGen, air traffic control modernization funds. The investments needed for NextGen are exactly the type of infrastructure projects our country needs to create jobs and opportunities that will last not just for a few months, but for a few decades. The benefits of increased air traffic efficiency and expanded capacity, along with critical safety enhancements and a reduction of the industry's environmental footprint will have tremendous benefits for our aviation system and economy.

However, the budget touts a $275 million increase in NextGen funding, but only about $35 million of that increase comes in the form of capital investment. The intent of NextGen funding is for capital improvements, not operations. I have concerns with the FAA continuing to expand the definition of NextGen and potentially diluting capital funds by using them for operations expenditures.

If FAA is going to succeed in implementing NextGen, I believe it needs to keep a sharp focus on some key programs and technologies; mission creep within the bureaucracy would be devastating for our modernization efforts.

I am also pleased to see that the Administration has included $1.6 billion for Amtrak and another $1 billion for the development of high-speed rail. I have long considered both high-speed and conventional passenger rail service a vital part of our transportation system. I hope that by the next time the Federal Railroad Administration solicits proposals for the development of new high-speed rail service, my State will have a solid plan in place for moving projects forward. I was very disappointed that Texas received only $4 million of the $8 billion in high-speed rail grants announced the week before last, and hope we will do better next time.

I do have concerns about the proposed establishment of a new multi-modal grant and loan program funded out of general revenues. The President's budget asks for $4 billion in fiscal year 2011, and $25 billion over the next five years, to fund a National Infrastructure Innovation and Finance Fund. With the Highway Trust Fund now needing regular -- and sizable -- infusions of General Fund money to remain solvent -- $15 billion since September 2008, with another $20 billion needed to get through fiscal year 2011 -- now is not the time to start a new program that will simply add to our record deficits.

Finally, I am pleased to see that DOT is moving forward on a Distracted Driver Prevention Program similar to the incentive program outlined in the bill introduced last year by the Chairman, myself, and several other members of this Committee. Like our proposal, the funding would come from unused seat belt grant funds, so no new taxpayer dollars would be used to fund this program. I look forward to working with DOT on developing this program and ensuring that states are allowed the flexibility to enact a law that best suits the needs of its residents.

Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to Mr. Porcari's testimony.

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