Hearing of the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee - Surface Transportation Reauthorization: The Importance of a Long Term Reauthorization

Hearing

"Good Morning. I am pleased to convene the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation & Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security for our sixth hearing, titled "The Importance of a Long Term Reauthorization."

"Today's hearing is the third in a series on the reauthorization of our nation's surface transportation programs. Our hearing will highlight the importance of a long-term transportation reauthorization. Senators will hear perspectives from local and state officials, manufacturers and private businesses on the importance of long-term transportation policy.

"As many of you here know, at the end of this month, authorization for surface transportation programs will expire. A short-term extension is highly likely. According to the latest projections, by August, the highway trust fund will run out of money.

"The time for action is now.

"Although the United States leads in so many areas, we are falling behind when it comes our nation's infrastructure. Our highways and bridges are in dire need of investment. In 2013, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) issued a report card on America's infrastructure, giving our roads a grade of D and bridges a grade of C+.

"States and local governments need more tools at their disposal to address the growing challenge of sustaining local infrastructure and transportation systems. As one state department of transportation director recently testified before this Subcommittee, states allocate limited transportation resources not by "need" versus "want," but based on which projects must be initiated now versus those that can be delayed.

"The nation's economy depends on an efficient and reliable transportation network.

"With expanding global trade volumes, America's economic growth will depend on the resilience of our intermodal surface transportation system.

"With the upcoming transportation reauthorization, we must keep in mind that nearly 95 percent of all consumers reside outside of the United States. Without adequate infrastructure, U.S. manufacturers and businesses will pay the price in delayed or missed shipments and lost market-share abroad.

"As Congress looks to reauthorize surface transportation programs, we must ensure that transportation regulations meet their intended safety goals, while providing as little economic harm as possible.

"Congress must hold regulators to a higher standard, particularly when it comes to balancing the goals of safety with the costs of regulatory compliance. It is key that we incorporate innovative approaches and technology into our regulatory framework.

"For example, Congress should continue on the path that MAP-21 created for performance-based standards for grants and safety regulations. Performance targets will allow agencies to better allocate already-scarce transportation resources and encourage private sector innovation.

"Each day, American families, consumers, workers, and businesses depend upon a safe and reliable transportation system. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and stakeholders to find a long-term sustainable approach towards addressing our nation's transportation needs.

"I would now like to invite Senator Booker to offer opening remarks."

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