July 20,2004

Statement of U.S. Senator Max Baucus Status of Senate-House Surface Transportation Legislation Conference

“The time has come to move the highway reauthorization legislation down the road, but we shouldn’t ignore the needs of our surface transportation system just to get a bill done. The Senate has put forward a responsible, effective $318 billion transportation proposal. Our six year bill will provide needed improvements to the nation’s infrastructure while creating good paying jobs. And I continue to support a $318 billion bill.

The Senate bill strikes a fair balance between surface transportation programs and the varying needs of the States. We must make sure that all of our priorities can still be met if we are to consider any reduced funding level.

I look forward to continuing to work together to quickly reach an agreement on a fiscally responsible surface transportation bill that will provide a boost to our economy, create jobs and improve the quality and safety of our roads in my state of Montana and across the nation.”