Evaluation of the administration's fiscal year 2007 budget for the Federal Transit Administration: hearing before the Committee on Banking

LC Number: KF26 .B39 2006p OCLC Number: (OCoLC)311615983 Excerpt: ...ropriately with bus projects or competing against traditional New Starts projects. We are all familiar with the tremendous demand for this program; therefore, I am quite puzzled as to why the FTA proposes funding it at only half the level specified by Congress. I am also concerned that this proposed funding cut violates the long-held understanding that funding for highways and transit will be treated equally; that is to say that if one is proposed for a cut, the other program would also be proposed for a proportional reduction. Yet, the highway programs are not proposed for any cuts, and no one benefits when transit are pitted against one another, which is why we worked so hard to resolve such issues when writing SAFETEA. It is disturbing that the Administration seems to so casually suggest undoing that careful balance. In light of these facts, I expect that FTA will be able to provide a very clear justification for this proposal. Beyond this concern, the budget proposal mirrors the outline from SAFETEA. Obviously, a number of these regulations are still being promulgated, and a number of programs are still being created. As Subcommittee Chairman, I intend to be actively involved in implementation and plan on working very closely with Chairman Shelby, Ranking Member Sarbanes, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Reed to conduct the necessary oversight, perhaps through additional hearings. Mr. Chairman, I also take this opportunity to note that the Committee is currently reviewing the nomination of the new Federal Transit Administrator, and you were nominated, you were put up here just a few weeks ago, I guess. Ms. Bushue. Thirty-seven days, to be exact. Senator Allard. Thirty-seven days. Ms. Bushue. Yes. [Laughter.] Senator Allard. And I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on that. This is an important position, particul...