The Lone Star Report has an interesting article on how Congresses HR 3, makes it easier for states like Texas to build new toll roads. President George W. Bush is expected within the next few weeks to sign the $286 billion federal transportation bill, HR 3, which passed July 29. Here are a few excerpts:
"Minnesota Democratic Congressman Jim Oberstar expressed concern that the amendment gives states incentives to toll new roads. "This amendment really crosses the line on tolling to mix federal funds with tolls is anathema to the idea of a publicly supported transportation system through our Highway Trust Fund and the user fee," he said. "I could understand if the gentleman from Texas (Burgess) were advocating and others were advocating tolls and toll-only facilities. But to cross the line and mix Highway Trust Fund dollars with toll funds to encourage building of toll facilities to indirect competition with toll-free highways, just does not make any sense at all."
"Sal Costello, founder of the grassroots anti-toll organization called Texas Toll Party, agreed to disagee, calling the measure a "tax and toll proliferation" bill. The Burgess amendment, he said, "gives states more credit for tolling publicly funded roads, which is upside-down in most people's opinion."
"HR 3 extends the federal pilot program that allows eligible states to convert existing free Interstate highways into toll roads."
Reps who pushed and voted FOR HR3:
Senator Kay Baily Hutchison
Congressman Loyd Doggett
Congressman LAMAR SMITH
Congressman Michael Burgess
Congressman Pete Sessions
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay
Reps who voted AGAINST HR3:
Senator John Cornyn
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