September 2004 Email Update

September 2004 Email Update

Washington, D.C. - Congress has just returned from the August district work period. With the days ticking down before the 108th Congress adjourns, it is critical that we focus on the nation's priorities. In addition to pushing for swift action on the 9/11 Commission report, my efforts will also be aimed at helping our local communities with their economic development efforts by passing important transportation legislation. This update discusses those priorities as well as recent transportation successes and projects in the 2nd Congressional District highlighted by events in the district during August.

***Acting to Make America Safer***

Just before Congress left for the August recess, the 9/11 Commission issued its final report and recommendations. I attended House Armed Services Committee hearings on the report during the August recess.

The report and hearings underscored the fact that there is only one risk greater to this nation than the threat of terrorism. That is the threat of combating terrorism the way we did before 9/11.

The 9/11 Commission's report and recommendations create an opportunity for us to make our country safer. Congress must quickly move forward in changing how this country fights terrorism.

I am a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would follow the blueprint for changes set by the 9/11 Commission. Highlights of the bill include creating a strong National Intelligence Director, improving congressional oversight, ensuring an integrated terrorist watch list, strengthening the FBI's ability to collect and analyze domestic intelligence, creating an integrated strategic plan for aviation and transportation security, improving coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration and military authorities, and protecting civil liberties.

With the third anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks upon us, it is long past time to act.

***Finding Solutions to Our Region's Transportation Problems***

Another immediate order of business must be to pass the nation's six-year transportation authorization bill that has been stuck in Congress for months. Every one billion dollars in transportation funding creates and sustains more than 47,000 jobs. Transportation funding is a good investment in the Pacific Northwest where we need to relieve congestion and boost job growth. The bill contains millions of dollars in federal funding for 2nd Congressional District
transportation needs, and we need to get this bill moving.

As we all know far too well, Washington state experiences some of the worst traffic in the nation. I continue to work in Congress through my role on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to partner with local and state officials to reduce congestion in our local communities. Easing congestion strengthens local economies and maximizes time workers spend at home rather than in traffic.

During the August district work period, I attended several groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings signaling our continued investment in solutions to our region's transportation trouble spots. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 172nd Street Overpass at Smokey Point serves as a great example of a successful transportation improvement partnership. This important project will boost economic opportunities in north Snohomish County and ease a major traffic headache for the residents there.

On August 24 I toured the new 41st Street Riverfront Redevelopment area in Everett to learn more about the city's plans to extend the 41st Street I-5 overpass there and relocate the Burlington Northern Sante Fe railroad tracks. These infrastructure changes will pave the way for new development that has already attracted the interest of Bastyr University.

I also participated in the grand opening ceremony for the Mount Vernon Multi-Modal Center that will house Skagit Transit and Amtrak with options to be the future home of Greyhound Bus Service and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. The multi-modal transportation center will increase mass transit and boost the local economy.

Finally, the opening of construction for the Second Street Bridge in Mount Vernon means we can finally remove and replace the lowest overpass found anywhere across I-5 from Mexico to Canada. This change will reduce congestion, lower the risk of trucks hitting the bridge, increase safety, and better freight mobility on I-5 and in Mount Vernon.
These projects are providing real relief for the region's traffic woes and making an investment in our region's economy. I will continue making it a top priority to address transportation problems in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you for taking the time to read this month's update. Each month's e-mail update by no means covers all the issues of importance in Congress or in our communities. The update is merely a way for me to check in with you about a sampling of issues Congress is addressing or are happening at

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