Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Senator Lieberman remains committed to maintaining and improving transportation infrastructure, both in Connecticut and around the United States in the 111th Congress. Senator Lieberman supports the adoption of a robust six-year transportation reauthorization to replace the expired Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), rather than a series of shorter term extensions that have left transportation planners in a state of uncertainty about future funding. In 2005, Senator Lieberman served on the conference committee for SAFETEA-LU, in which he was able to secure hundreds of millions dollars for Connecticut's highways, roads, and transit facilities.

Senator Lieberman supported robust funding for transportation and infrastructure in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The bill provided more than $550 million in public transit and highway funding for Connecticut, including funding for Amtrak. Because it is crucial that these funds are spent wisely, Senator Lieberman has provided ongoing oversight of the ARRA's implementation through his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, holding 5 hearings on the issue in the spring and summer of 2009. Senator Lieberman subsequently sent a letter to OMB Director Orszag, asking the Director to accelerate the speed of outlays, especially in the area of transportation, to put citizens to work before the end of the construction season in northern part of the country.

Highway and Transit

Transportation is a vital issue for Connecticut commuters and Senator Lieberman has made it a top priority to secure vital funding for projects that alleviate congestion and promote transportation alternatives. Senator Lieberman is an advocate for smart growth and increased use of public transit. With the country facing its highest unemployment in decades, Senator Lieberman believes investments in infrastructure can provide fiscal stimulus that has great economic "bang for the buck' -- putting workers back on the job.

Senator Lieberman remains committed to securing additional funds for highway and transit projects throughout the state, especially those that provide transportation alternatives to help Connecticut residents deal with rising energy costs. For example, Senator Lieberman remains a strong supporter of the New Haven- Hartford-Springfield commuter rail line, which could dramatically reduce congestion on I-91 and I-95 in the New Haven area, and the Stamford Urban Transitway, which will reduce traffic along I-95 and the Merritt Parkway by improving commuters' access to the mass transit services available at the Stamford Transportation Center.

In 2005, because of his senior status on the Environment & Public Works Committee, Senator Lieberman was named a conferee on the transportation reauthorization bill, The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which authorized federal surface transportation programs through the end of fiscal year (FY) 2010. In anticipation of a new reauthorization bill in 2009, Senator Lieberman is monitoring discussions on the future of the nation's surface transportation system, paying particular attention to mass transit and transportation alternatives, the solvency of the highway transit fund, and the relationship between transportation and climate change, including how to regulate emissions to reduce climate change and how to design transportation systems in response to a changing environment.

SAFETEA-LU was an enormous success for Connecticut. Not only did it increase Connecticut's share of funding for transportation projects by 19% for each over the five year life of the bill, compared to the average annual amount the state received under the previous authorization bill, it also provided Connecticut taxpayers with a $1.36 return on each dollar paid by its residents to the federal government in gas taxes each year. The total amount for the state was approximately $2.5 billion, and because of Senator Lieberman's role as a conferee he was able to secure an additional $50 million to address congestion mitigation, safety, and capacity improvements along I-95, which includes the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge.

The tragic collapse of the Interstate 35 West Bridge in Minneapolis, MN has underscored many critical shortfalls in America's transportation infrastructure. Senator Lieberman has recognized the need to address these deficiencies and knows it will take comprehensive, sustained action at all levels of government to fix our nation's ailing roads and bridges. Consequently, he was proud to cosponsor the National infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007. This measure would have established a bipartisan, independent National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States. The commission would conduct a comprehensive examination of U.S. infrastructure and develop recommendations for a federal infrastructure plan, identifying critical needs and priorities. The Senate passed this legislation in August 2007, but, unfortunately, no further action was taken before the end of the 110th Congress. Senator Lieberman looks forward to supporting similar legislation should it come before the Senate this Congress.

Protecting Motorists from Distracted Driving

A recent study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that individuals who send text messages when operating a motor vehicle are 23 times more likely to be in a collision. VTTI estimates that motorists who text while driving take their eyes away from the road long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour. An examination by Car and Driver magazine found that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Clearly, motorists who text and/or email while driving pose a serious threat to themselves and others.

To protect the safety of all Americans on our highways and byways, Senator Lieberman recently signed on to cosponsor the Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act of 2009 (ALERT Drivers Act; S. 1536), which would effectively mandate that states ban texting or emailing while driving. Those states that do not comply would lose 25 percent of their annual federal highway funds. Senator Lieberman also proudly cosponsored a resolution designating April 2010 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" (S.Res.510).

Amtrak / Rail

Maintaining Amtrak Service for Connecticut Commuters

Always a strong supporter of Amtrak and firmly aware of the importance of the railroad to Connecticut's commuters and travelers, Senator Lieberman continues to advocate for it to receive the resources it needs. Last Congress, he was proud to support the Federal Railroad Safety Act (P.L.110-432), which reauthorized Amtrak through FY 2014. This legislation allocated $13 billion for Amtrak over five years, and also requires the railroad to make internal operational changes necessary toward improving its long-term sustainability.

Senator Lieberman strongly supported the inclusion of $1.3 billion for Amtrak as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). In March, Vice President Biden announced that $105 million from ARRA would be committed to replacing the aging Amtrak drawbridge over the Niantic River. This crucial project will create hundreds of jobs and lead to better train service for passengers along the northeast corridor without impeding marine traffic in the area. In addition, over $43 million in stimulus funding has been released for upgrades and improvements in Connecticut's rail infrastructure in New Haven and on the Danbury and Shoreline East lines.

Promoting the Development of Short-Line Rail Networks

Senator Lieberman is proud to cosponsor legislation (S. 461) to encourage railroads to modernize their short line rail networks. As we seek to develop more efficient means of shipping goods across the country, short line railroads will play an increasingly important role in our freight transportation system. Unfortunately, many short line tracks have deteriorated and must be renovated. Otherwise these tracks and the communities they serve will be unable to access the main line rail networks. S. 461 would create an incentive to invest in track rehabilitation by extending and enhancing the Short-line Railroad tax credit, which provides railroads with a tax credit of 50 cents for every dollar invested in track improvements. This legislation would also extend the total credit a railroad may claim from $3,500 to $4,500, and extend new short line railroads (those established after January 1, 2005) that are currently ineligible for the credit.

Building a Rail Network for the 21st Century

Looking forward, Senator Lieberman understands that the development of high speed intercity rail is critical toward developing a greener, more viable transportation system that will allow America to remain competitive in today's modern economy. Senator Lieberman supports President Obama's plan to distribute $13 billion over 5 years to begin constructing high-speed rail corridors throughout the U.S, and is particularly pleased that both the Northeast Corridor and Northern New England Corridor were designated as corridors eligible for funding. Recently, Senator Lieberman, along with his colleagues in Connecticut's congressional delegation, wrote Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to urge the Administration to fund critical New England based rail projects through this initiative. These efforts paid off when, in January 2010, the Secretary announced that Connecticut will receive $40 million to go toward improvements to the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line, including building a second set of electrified tracks that will allow passenger trains to bypass slower freight trains.

Aviation

Senator Lieberman is committed to supporting aviation related legislation that lowers prices and increases choices for consumers. As Congress continues to debate the reauthorization legislation for the FAA, Senator Lieberman will continue to pay particular attention to air traffic control modernization and safety efforts, combat unreasonable general aviation fee raises, commercial user fees, and environmental concerns.

Improving Aviation Safety Standards

The tragic crash of Flight 3407 in Buffalo, NY served to expose several severe shortfalls in the safety of our nation's commercial aviation system. Senator Lieberman cosponsors several bills designed to address these deficiencies and help to eliminate preventable accidents, including the Enhancing Flight Crewmembers' Training act (S. 1744), which was introduced by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY). This legislation would significantly upgrade the qualifications required of commercial airline pilot by mandating that they hold an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license prior to being hired, enact more stringent academic and flight testing requirements, as well as increase the minimum required flight time for commercial pilots from 250 to 1,500 hours. Senator Lieberman also cosponsors the Ensuring One Level of Aviation Safety Act of 2009 (S. 1284) to strengthen pilot training standards.

Additionally, Senator Lieberman cosponsors the Regional Carrier Disclosure Act (S. 1283), which would require the operators of Internet websites that sell airline tickets to disclose to the purchaser of each ticket the name of the air carrier that operates each segment of the flight. This will encourage major airlines to partner with reputable regional carriers and work together with those carriers on safety and pilot training. Senator Lieberman also cosponsors legislation (S. 1163) that would require that the Federal Aviation Administration Management Advisory Council add a member with aviation safety experience.

Protecting Connecticut's Interest in Flight Path Redesign

Senator Lieberman is actively monitoring the FAA's proposal for redesigning the New York/ New Jersey/ Philadelphia metropolitan area airspace. Given the steady increase in flight delays and cancellations that have affected this region, this initiative has the ability to improve the efficient and reliability of the New York Area airspace, which affects the many Connecticut residents and travelers who fly in and out of airports that use this airspace. However, since the revised flight paths have the potential to increase noise in communities in Connecticut and other states, Senator Lieberman approached the GAO to study the impact that this change will have on Fairfield County and other affected regions and determine if there will be substantial environmental or economic impacts due to the plan's implementation.

Giving Pilots the Opportunity to Continue Working

In November 2006, the International Civil Aviation Organization raised the maximum age of pilots to age 65. Senator Lieberman proudly cosponsored the Freedom to Fly Act of 2007 (S.65), which proposes to raise the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots from 60 to 65, consistent with this international ruling. Shortly after this bill was introduced, the FAA announced that it would undertake the rule changing process required to raise the retirement age for commercial pilots to 65. With the passage of the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (H.R. 4343) in December 2007, this change is complete.

Source