This morning, RJ Harris, the morning personality on WHP 580 in Harrisburg, PA had a call-in from Tim Holden (D. PA) a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a member of the House Transportation Committee. I believe it is a regular “feature” of the show.

When Mr. Harris inquired what the 2004 legislative agenda was, Rep. Holden specifically mentioned re-authorization of TEA 21.

However, he indicated that it is a congressional priority to have funds appropriated pursuant to this legislation be used for highway improvements because the electorate expects money from the “highway trust fund” to be used for that purpose and that this was a problem under both the current and prior administration.

For those of you familiar with Harrisburg, you know congestion is a sore topic-so this could be stroking the folks tied up in traffic-especially this week due to the annual Farm Show. It was unclear whether he meant that the funds are not being expended or are being spent on unauthorized projects.

It would have been interesting to ask how the restrictions on highway construction for “non-attainment” zones pursuant to the Clean Air Act are impeding the expediture of taxes for the levied purpose.

As a followup question, if two successive administrations are not executing the expressed will of the Congress, why havenÂ’t there been some inquiry and required testimony from the Secretary of Transportation.


superheater@rrmail.com