March 21, 2003
Dear Senator:
We understand that Budget Chairman Nickles may
offer an amendment this afternoon that would adversely alter the
amendment being offered by Senators Bond, Reid, Inhofe, Jeffords,
Shelby and Sarbanes to increase investment in the highway and transit
infrastructure. We urge you to vote against Senator Nickles' amendment
and for Senator Bond's amendment.
Senator Bond's amendment is the result of a coordinated,
bi-partisan effort between the Environment and Public Works Committee
and the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and addresses
critical surface transportation capital needs identified by the
U.S. Department of Transportation in its most recent Conditions
and Performance Report.
Based on available information, we understand that
Senator Nickles' amendment would express the sense of the Senate
that all increases in transportation funding be offset and that
no increases in such funding should be supported with intergovernmental
transfers. This amendment would likely jeopardize general fund support
for investment in public transportation, and preclude the use of
increased revenues from interest on trust fund balances or dedication
of revenues from gasohol for highway or transit investment.
On behalf of the 1,500 member organizations of
the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), we appreciate
your consideration of our views on this important matter.
Sincerely yours,
William W. Millar
President
WWM/cbo
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