Today, the Committee will consider the nomination of Mr. David J. Gribbin, to the position of General Counsel of the Department of Transportation.  If appointed, Mr. Gribbin would serve as the principal legal officer and advisor to Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters.

 

            The General Counsel of the Department will play a key role in guiding the agency through the many challenges ahead.  Our nation’s transportation system is slowly collapsing under the tremendous stress of increased congestion caused by growing passenger and freight demand and years of under-investment.  All modes of transportation are plagued by stubborn safety problems.  On our highways alone, we lose 43,000 lives a year.

 

            Tackling these problems will force us to face complex fiscal, environmental, safety, and security issues, requiring leadership that, so far, has been lacking from this Administration.  America's economic vitality, global competitiveness, and most importantly, our quality of life, depend on our creating a safe and efficient transportation system.  

 

            Today we will hear about Mr. Gribbin’s qualifications to serve in this important position, and his general outlook with regard to transportation policy, as well as his views on privatization of public transportation infrastructure.   

 

###