WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield) today challenged Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters's infrastructure financing proposal during a hearing before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Secretary Peters contends that our massive infrastructure problems can be simply solved by tolling and privatization of our highway system. This was the second hearing held by the Committee on the report of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, the bipartisan Commission that was charged with examining the nation’s surface transportation needs and making recommendations for programs and revenue options for the next surface transportation authorization bill. Secretary Peters chaired the Commission, but was one of only three commissioners who voted against the panel’s final report. The Secretary declined to attend the first hearing and instead presented the minority’s views to the full Committee today.

"The Commission’s report made it clear that without substantial commitment on the federal level, our transportation infrastructure will continue to deteriorate to third world status" DeFazio said. "Secretary Peters made it equally clear today that she believes these massive problems can be simply solved by rationing and privatization of our highway system. This view is a total denial of reality which has been the hallmark of the Bush Administration."

Last month the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure heard from the majority of the Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The final report detailed the significant surface transportation investment gap the nation is facing. The Commission estimates the federal government should be investing between $225 billion and $340 billion annually in all modes of transportation. The federal government is currently investing only $85 billion annually, less than 40 percent of the needed amount.

"The view presented by Secretary Peters today was at complete odds with the findings of the Commission and her proposal for solving the nation's transportation funding pitfalls will only serve to compound the crisis the United States is facing" DeFazio said. "What's more, at a time when America is facing a serious recession, investment in infrastructure creates American jobs and helps to jump start the nation's economy. For every $1 billion the federal government invests in transportation, 47,500 jobs are created that cannot be exported. The type of federal investment in infrastructure Secretary Peters is opposed to is good for American workers, economy, productivity and trade."