Transcripts For CSPAN2 Freight Movement Hearing 20171221

Were honored to have both the chairman and the Ranking Member of the committee here. I understand senator cardin you have an introduction to make. Lets recognize first senator carper because he will come back into his little bit later. Junta thank her chair and Ranking Member for putting this together. I like to ask unanimous consent this appears in the record five a chance to give it life i will do that. Thank you for joining us. Thank you. How to thank you for being here today think my friend and his staff for their help in getting this hearing together. I think the last one is retiring this year, that leaves you and me. I hope thats not a message. We did come in and spend a lot of time together working in a bipartisan way. Looking forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to benefit the economy. Since the president has been in office weve added over 2 million jobs in Consumer Confidence has skyrocketed. However the economy willingly grow infrastructure is maintained. In 2015 over 18 billion tons of freight were moved over highways, railways and through the air. These numbers will grow to 25 million tons of freight in 2005 or 37 trillion. When freight is delayed or awaiting movement on the ports and waterways, an estimated 27 annual are borne by businesses raising prices on consumer goods. The more delays we see the for the behind will become. The u. S. Ranks 12th in overall of structure quality. Weve heard from engineers who have scored a infrastructure is a d . Estimated we need to spend close to 2 trillion in the next ten years to improve our overall economy. I asked congress to pass a a fast act. It establishes 6. 3 billion freight Formula Program for states to invest in freight projects on the national highway freight network. The first time that have been done. s creative 4. 5 billion Grant Program to improve the safety and movement of freight. That was the largest transportation authorization in a decade, we have more work to be done. I look forward to hearing from Witnesses Today and i enjoyed meeting them and reminding them that are best kept secret thank you for reminding me how long weve been here. We have been friends since we both came to the United States congress and 87. I do think of for his dedication. His willingness to find ways to move things forward. His been one of our great leaders. Its been a pleasure to work with you on the subcommittee that deals with infrastructure. Todays topic is important, Freight Movement, assessing where we are now and where we need to go, this nation was built by the fact that we are able to build up an economy and the infrastructure was critically important to us being able to develop that economic strength were so proud and gives opportunities to so many people. The u. S. Freight system depends on the system of infrastructure. Roads are critically important for the trucks. Real is important for freight. Yesterday i had a meeting with the new acting ceo as we talked about freight issues including the challenges that we had in baltimore. Its incredibly important we maintain and strengthen our rail. We talked about the waterways. The importance that is to the movement of freight in our barges, our pipelines. And our airports. Our airports are becoming more congested. So, over the next 30 years, a Transportation System which is powered the rise were nation and enabled Economic Growth could become a drake if we do not Pay Attention to investing in americas infrastructure. We know how many hours a week are wasted transportation through truck stuck in traffic. Try to get through the Washington Area on any day, even on the weekends its difficult. Even in the middle of the night. Went home yesterday and there was construction and it took me longer than it should have. There is congestion we need to do a better job in dealing with it. Trucks lose 28 billion in wasted fuel in time per year. We have major tensions we need to pay. Aging locks and aunt arising. Ports need stretch in the modernization if theyre going to continue to compete. Regional economy transit systems are hundred billion dollars of backlog. I can attest to the need for maintenance here. Millions of workers are power these companies will feel these effects. This is essential, despite advances. Apply leadership that provides Funding Sources for these programs. We need to build upon prior success of the committee to provide the wherewithal for infrastructure. We just going to highlight, because i should at least promote one aspect of my state. Let me break a little bit about the portable to more than the important cities tour economy. Where one of four ports that has the death and with necessary to take on ships through the canal. Thats important part of our economy. Baltimore has a 50foot shipping channel. We looked at what we are able to do, and ill put it in the record but let me point this out, business at the port generate 16350 direct jobs. More than 127,000 jobs are linked to port activities. Is responsible for nearly 3 billion and contributes 310 million in state local tax revenue. None of this can be done without a strong federal partnership. We cannot do it on our own. Yesterday, we had a long discussion about jobs. We all know that investing in infrastructure will not only build the tools necessary to grow the economy, it will create jobs of the future that we need to support our nation. I look forward to hearing from our panel. Thank you. Senator carper, id be happy to defer to see dont have to come back later. I appreciate that. Looking at the port of baltimore, just jose the top port is in delaware. My staff was good enough to drop off some bananas so i have a prop. I told them were not only the top port for importing bananas, were the top port for putting parents. Thats not true, but they trapped off this package appearance. After the experience of the last few days we could use that. Im not good december than that. I do want to say this, when i gave my statement eight talks about the ingredients that are part of job creation and access to capital for markets. In infrastructure done well, i just ports and rail, all of the above and more. We have this reluctance to pay for this stuff. Big part of our challenge is to figure out a costeffective way to make this investment. To have non federal monies thats her challenge. Its important having gone through a tough time on tax reform, my hope is that we tackle infrastructure in the months to come that we do it the right way. If we do that this is if we do that will count down her critics and amaze her friends. Thats what we need to do. Thank you. Thank you. Before i introduce another member i like to say a few words. Today examining Freight Movement in assessing where we are and where we need to go, phrase a vital part of our economy. I think you for holding this important hearing. Everyone benefits for goods being shipped. It allows for americanmade products to go from the heartland and coastal across the world. It will help of greater highways and shipping lanes, this year love the Environment Public Works Committee is held seven hearings on the importance of modernizing infrastructure. Weve heard both urban communities. We can cut red tape and get things finish faster. Taxpayers at the most bang for their buck. President trump has made fixing our roads bridges and roads a top priority. In january they will outline a broad vision for infrastructure. We have unique opportunity ahead of us. We can grow the economy and help ensure the health and safety of every american. I look forward to partnering to improve americas roads, bridges, Water Systems and ports. I want to introduce crispier. He served as presidency of the Trucking Association since july 2016. His a longtime friend with connections in wyoming. Please he will provide his expertise. He attended college at the university of wyoming where hand is bachelors and masters degree. He began his career with the senate 1993 working as a professional staff member for l simpson. He continued his work. In 98 he was nominated by george w. Bush and unanimously confirmed by the senate as assistant secretary for labor and policy. He served as Deputy Representative for the Coalition Authority in iraq and was awarded the u. S. Department of defense a joint civilian service medal. Role. And educate on behalf of the Trucking Industry knowing how vital great transportation is to the economy and states like wyoming depend on the industry upwards of 7 Million People responsible moving for 10 billion month Million Pounds of freight annually. We look forward to hearing your testimony. I am very happy to be named the Deputy Assistant director from the for administration december of 2016 but he has been with the port now 16 years and has a distinguished record to understand all operations under his current responsibility to include maintenance claim and Terminal Operations and the intermodal religious tics so we are pleased with the expertise from maryland and better understand the challenges that we have to move the commerce and freight through the ports to receive the bachelor of science degree in the business administration. And those other two witnesses that have not been introduced and the chief executive officer and the Regional Council of government. And we will start with you and work across. Chairman and Ranking Member and chairman thank you for the introduction and members of the subcommittee i appreciate the opportunity to testify on this critical subject. We are grateful to recognize freight in the process transportation bill. As proven necessary to move 5 billion additional times over the next decade that is a 40 increase. This year alone, moving 71 of the nations freight tonnage, worth more than 10 trillion. The international Highway Network is rapidly deteriorating. Costing the average motorist nearly 1500 per year per year higher maintenance and congestion. Exceed 3 billion in 2015 Truck Drivers sat in traffic nearly 1 billion lung hours sitting idle for an entire year. 53 of highway fatalities condition of the roadway is a contributing factor. The Highway Trust Fund is projected to run short of current spending levels of fi 2021. Creating a huge funding gap to cancel or delay criticall projects. Spending half of what is necessary as the investment gap continues to grow so will the bridges roads and fatalities attributable to inadequate roadways. The proposed solution is build america fund with a new index . 20 per gallon gallon fee built into the price of the fuels collected at the terminal rack generating 340 billion in revenue over the first ten years. This proposal would stabilize the trust fund. However we recognize over time the fuel taxes a diminishing Revenue Source so we encourage the subcommittee to implement a ten year plan to provide longterm stability for the federal aid program with more sustainable user fees. To recognize that is one part of the supplychain we rely on them to keep it moving smoothly and efficiently we are pleased with those projects we urge you to retain those programs and increase funding for freight while maintaining the share currently dedicated to highway projects. In particular the freight intermodal deserve dedicated funding with greater conductivity than more efficient and safer movement. Finally to support a strong federal role of highway improvement. States are not waiting on congress to act a have adopted funding schemes to find roads and bridges within industry paying half of the tab of the Highway Trust Fund willing and ready to pay more we consider such schemes as nothing more than a fleecing of our industry. Others are redundant of existing federal standards such as the rest breaks these burdensome barriers are elevating safety risk to the motoring public while aligning the publics pocket on death row lining the pockets of trial lawyers. That is trucking revenue that would have been spent on pay, training and more environmentally friendly equipment those have allowed states of added compliance cost to grow and support our nations economy make in state preemption a top priority. This is not about states rights rhetorical statements involve responding on death responsibility the constitutional obligation to support interstate commerce knows that that goal behind jurisdictional boundaries with the gps heat maps these illustrations how it is a local state or regional problem and much as a political rhetoric tries to suggest it is a federal issue with serious and measurable economic and security implications. I applaud this committee for its razor focused each of you bring to these problems. With a committed partner to help you and your colleagues produce in infrastructurep bill of republicans and democrats in the American People that they can be proud of. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Distinguish members and Ranking Member and chairman thank you for allowing me to share ourou views representing both the council of governments as well as a coalition of the trade core doors these diverse groups seek to increase federal investment in intermodal methods of infrastructure i have final authority over all enteral spending on Service Transportation the region is home to the nationally significant bridge that is a linchpin that connects michigan to miami that carries over 1 billion of goods every day but suffering due to structural deficiencies and overcrowding this results in 750 million annually waste of time and fuel of prime example of the freight needs the Commerce Clause cause on the federal government to make investments for interstate commerce 70 of all freight crosses all lines i applaud this committee for prioritizing freight that is a down payment on our needs but more is needed to keep pace with the Global Economy. We must remember as a percentage of gdp china spends four times what the United States does on infrastructure. Designed to target investments and improvements but to have complex freight projects is limited and recognizing this the fact to have a muchneeded competitive Grant Program designed to target large freight and highway projects which often see those jurisdictions competitive programs encourage applicants to bring forward the best ideas and they frequently incentivize to get involved to leverage 3. 6 billion of total investment so just because of project is more affordable to the federal government does not mean it is not a valuable investment for a countrys economy a should first be evaluated on the ability of the congressionally defined program goals. To foster strategic investment. We would make five recommendations. Number one the Investment Strategy should shape and guide the nations trade infrastructure system with active coordination among the states and regions to focus on multimodal trade to be established to guide policy and programming with a focus on nationally significant projects. Number two provided a sustainable funding source. Ed investment has a larger return on investment and other transportation spending. Those programs are vastly oversubscribed and those that saw 13 request for every one dollar available the direct federal investment of 2 billion above current levels is necessary congress should also eliminate caps on non highway spending freight does not only moven on highways but the Public Benefit to drive Public Investment should be made. Number three successful applications meet merit based criteria to prioritize projects with a contribution for National Trade efficiency. Number four. They should see the faxed act implementation to ensure investment that aligns with congressional intent with sufficient Decision Making transparency. Despite the development of strong meritbased criteria gao was unable to determine the rationale for selecting the first round of 18 successful projects. And lastly a partnership that should leverage participation to provide the largest toolbox of Funding Options and the Advisory Council of users and members to assist the u. S. Dot to foster partnerships with the private sector i think the committee for their time and attention. Thank you for being f specific use specified five things and the committee will have to makeve some decisions. Thank you for the opportunity to assess where we are and going. G. I know other witnesses will concentrate in other areas so i will not do that instead i will focus on the importance of the Transportation System and those that are critically important currently serving as the chairman headquartered into school is the alabama operating 340 barges and 26 toe votes. The National Public policy organization advocates for the wellmaintained system the inland waterways is made up of 12000 miles of commercially active waterways including the intercoastal waterways. 11000 miles on which they pace a pay a fuel tax deposited into the Waterway Trust fund. To be successfully advocating raising taxes by 45 to current level of 29 cents per gallon it currently pays half the cost of new construction of the inland waterways with the locks and dams and also channeling. After having one order enacted it is very encouraging to see this committee put it back on a twoyearng cycle. I would like to think this committee for the important policy changes contained in particular of those for the homesteads locks and dams. This comes from the 50 general fund and 15 and 85 general fund. This has led to significant improvements of construction timeline. After november 3 meeting a few weeks ago reporting the olmsted project with full completion now would end in 2020 to four years ahead of the project completion date. In terms of cost now scheduled to be approximately 330 million below the estimated cost. Also the cost share helped but allowed construction to resume on those other lots. Finishing it as clear as possible is at a critical Time Starting Early September the locks and dm 52 and number 53 were experiencing failures causing multiple complete closures of the river. There were 74 toll votes waiting at one time. This vividly shows the lock and dams built in the 20s are in critical need of modernization. Those that is a way to begin with the total cost of estimated at 8. 8 billion. Billion. These projects will not even begin construction in the next two years. We hope they will consider the same type of change for those inland waterways and then congress changed the policy from 50 government sunday 5 goom the federal government. But but the same thing with the Waterways Trust fund to allow that inland navigation to remain operating at or above the 400 milliondollar level thank you for the opportunity i look forward to participating in the roundtable discussion chairman, Ranking Member and members of the committee thank you for inviting me to todays hearing on national Freight Movement. One of the busiest and most diverse seaports with six marine terminals and privately owned terminals in the harbor. 190 major u. S. Ports we are first handling more cars and light trucks informing construction and more sugar than all other. It breaks with the International Cargo handled and tonnage. Over the last several years ranked to name us the fourth Fastest Growing port to see 31. 8 tons. 8 tons of International Cargo cost per year valued at 49 billion we expect to pass both of those. We will accommodate some of the largest contain your shifts in the world. To see if they could take the newly expanded. A mock canal. As an economic engine we feel strongly afraid is moving efficiently than the economy is moving efficiently as well. Generating over 13000 direct jobss 127,000 in 27000 in maryland are linked to port activities. We are having success now but we have hurdles to clear a pressing need is a sacking of two International Containers on top of one another for transportation into or out of the port this double capacity creating efficiencies in the supply chain. Currently having that ability to have double stock trains and then located in the 30 year 422 freight tunnel does not have the required configuration. Recently new Engineering Technologies were developed to increase the clearance of the tunnel of a 500 milliondollar project the Maryland Department of transportation agreed to share 290 million of the total 445 milliondollar project cost then we submitted as a publicprivate team for the balance under the 2016 Grant Program. Despite very positive feedback we were unsuccessful. Still we feel we have a strong application and are optimistic we will be successful in round two. The deadline to apply for funding was november 2 only a few short days before we were informed they were pulling support for the project now csx the owner we cannot move forward without the Grant Application to handle the double stacked trains is not only critical to the future by an intermodal connection regionally and nationally currently the Howard Street tunnel is a bottleneck it would increase the clearances would remove trucks fromve highways generating 25 Eastern States to be more Efficient Network to have more intermodal movement while supporting additional jobs he also are sure water waves can handle the ships but they depend on adequate adequate authority to complete the channel maintenance and dredging. Thatat is the is the maritime equivalent to construction also dispose of properly and congress have allowed beneficial use for the ecosystem restoration. The port of baltimore has a congressionally authorized projectch that uses dredged sediment from the 50foot deep channels to restore National Habitat in the Chesapeake Bay it is waiting design funding baltimore urges you to support projects like this that are tied to Freight Movement. It faces the authorization in calendar year 2021 if not receiving funds for construction. It is critical because it will provide approximately 40 years of settlement. I asked this committee to support the act to continue authorization. In closing the government plays aid vital role. So for us to perform efficiently we must be adequately suspended and in 2015 the last time it was funded only ten of 2000 staffers were assigned to the seaport and was a supplychain problem to need Additional Support without it the flow of cargo cannot perform at peak levels. Thank you for allowing me to speak. As made obvious in the Opening Statement we have been on this committee since you have been in the senate so we have been through all of the authorization since 1987. One of the problems used to be too much money in the Highway Trust Fund. So with all of these reauthorization bills so that progress you can attribute to those freight provisions. That is a significant step forward to look at a problem and each year leading to congestion me know the bottlenecks that research is done in concert with the department of transportation. With a good focus but the program itself as well as the plan we are a little delinquent in terms of reporting back on what that is supposed to look like. So in terms of the prioritization to have the most impact in those bottleneck areas. Because they put the focus on where the problem is and now working with the agencies to get the maximum amount. I did not write this down but you said the amount of applications that were made for the program . 13 of request request for every one dollar available. Ice. Il long ice. Do you agree that is not adequate o enough . It is monumental. For the first time we recognize freight as primary. We are all part of air Global Economy for the first time. As our Business Partners and bankers with the simple fact that we have the large projects the 2. 6 billion project all the way down to the smaller projects that we invest in as well. To make it easier for us for this type of spending must be done. It is invaluable. I have to give credit where credit is due to focus onnd this now in the white house. He is transferring that haitial concern with the legislation that comes forward. So our best kept secret in oklahoma is our navigation. We are there too. We are considered to be a newer state and so we are having a serious problem with two of our locks and dams. With that provision to allow the users to participate. It doesnt happen very often. Have but also now you say in this testimony a change in the costsharing. And to impact . And when you makehe that policy change with the Adequate Funding and proper planning early under budget and under time we can take the same policies. And then to reinvest in the locks and dams. But that is the important aspect to keep it up to speed and up to date. And i think this will continue to strengthen the authorization bills but then to come to gather on together with the infrastructure this needs. And then to support to get the necessary resources. And to look at that type of example to ensure we have adequate resources toward infrastructure improvement. If you dont Pay Attention you will miss those factors of moving freight to america. But first, also mentioning the fact that this committee has been successfully recent recently that we do that with those policy issues. But on the predecessor. Sardinesor offered the authorization. With that availability that is always without controversy. Because that is part of environmental restoration. To keep those shipping lanes dredged and then reclaim habitation for the natural importance of Chesapeake Bay. To protect her from erosion and gives a habitat for different species. And it is very efficient but we recognize we will be at capacity and with the construction midday. And 20 years before it is ready to be functional. That is one of the point is that you need leadtimes. And now and they are prepared to move forward so how important is it to stay on track . So to have a benefit to the National Economy with substantial job losses if the dredging due to the acceptable dredged material. With that 50foot channel approximately 12780 direct jobs 80,656,000,000 of llbusiness revenues. And then to maintain the 50foot channels. With a bipartisan delegation to stay on track for the dredging in the harbor. If you talk about the double stacking one of the few on the trains through baltimore, you gave numbers because csx changed their views that is the before the former ceo passed away . Back i think we are wellpositioned today with a Publicprivate Partnership entering into in 2010 gave us the ability to expand with a strong consumer market. Cranes and the devil said estimate that if we are successful that would increase volume roughly 100,000 containers annually and 6000 construction jobs and another 7200 jobs to get this completed but then to have this made a part of the record. Without objection. Thank you mr. Chairman for convening this earring. You indicate in your testimony some doubts on infra or those aspects. It has a 25 satisfied so can you expand what should we be concerned about . So to make certain we preserve the Highway Program largely centered to the and they also are receiving their funding. And with those of the same type of funds. Then increasing the funding on top of what has already been done is where we need to see more results. You have the framework in place into the programs to see results at that level. Particularly in a state like kansas or oklahoma they are just to have infrastructure that lends itself to trekking across the country from the Farmers Market to a rural place. Thank you for that reminder about my broader question is i use this as an opportunity to tout something important to the economic wellbeing of our country having an impact and that is nafta the value to export commodities and manufactured goods to the north and the south is how we are now living in kansas. I would highlight agriculture in particular will be fine because mexico and canada would always want those commodities. I dont think anybody can compete and with that ability and during the waterways to get grain to mexico we have a competitive and then to compete economically from someplace else. So if nafta went away what does that mean of thees consequences to the freight with the use of trucks or waterways . And second, the ability to highlight the importance of infrastructure to compete in a Global Economy. Highlight the trade with mexico and then to compete with efficient infrastructure. I will quickly answer that to even walk away from the law on obligations is not a perfect agreement there is always an perfection but to be reflective of the economy but trucks move 76 and 81 of the Border Crossing is by truck. 71 by canada. To talk about the recession 2008 it is catastrophic to the economy and our partnerships with canada being the largest we are jeopardizing National Security on Different Levels with National Security benefits and you have a genetic effect on every state. With or without to be in the intense competition around the world and of course as you stated to make sure agriculture competitive and that would be a huge help to modernizeo any heap and and that is a key component Going Forward that to start that funding look at that to help agriculture in that area. Thank you very much we dont have navigable waters in kansas that i can find. But we care greatly about those waterways. Thank you very much i welcomeeen the panel and appreciate the reason for structure hearing of the bipartisanship of the panel is so apparent but to pay for additional highway road and infrastructure. Correct. We do support increasing the gas tax. One reason for this is entitled the president pushes federal gas tax hike to pay for the infrastructure which taxpayers are already paid me for the government in action to fix the nations highways. Can you explain what you mean . One of the highest cost eight. It doesnt matter everybody leaves to the previous question. That consumers have to spend to repair their vehicles. And they were spending 1500 per motorist. We have already paid for existing roads and bridges dsthrough taxation now we are doubleug dipped that the federal government is not adequately funding for the program it has created. That on average was 100 per motorist. And adding to the cost of fuel that would save far more than they would pay with wear and care and damage. With 340 billion of billion dollars of new revenue the first ten years. One day and one way on one road 44 to go to miles. Thatw is of the taxation for all roads and bridges. Seeing the freight go in and out and it goes by highway. In through rhode island but it was flooded. And we have seen flooding of the amtrak rail system from the Sea Level Rise and the storm surge. How alert do we need to be with the level rise. I think it is a concern but you have to add to that. The demands to prepare for the new risk. And to say we should not be prepared. Lets turn to the ports representative and your supportpo the marine planning efforts. But i will take what we heard from the naval station that Sea Level Rise so to go back to raise that infrastructure the roads andur the markets and appears it is and ecosystem. What is the lesson from the commercial ports . And then with the Sea Level Rise. And with Climate Change to incorporate the 2010 infrastructures. And are at the plus ten to raise 10 feet above currentt elevation and that is a consideration. And then the newest project is that rehabilitation standard but what happens behind that . So we have a couple strategies. Out of courtesy i will cut you off there. We are now one minute over there would encourage you to answer in writing. Now i defer to my colleagues. I have a few observations that ports and everything that goes with it. Highways. A critical time to do something you have to move freight. It is key. To the oceans and the ports in the river river system. So this is right for bipartisan infrastructure bill. Think big and have had private meetings on the floor and have been successful in the past. It is foolish right now. But i would like to focus on us. That port that senator parted and but that is a good optimal . Yes sir. But in alabama with 45 feet trying to go to 50. And everybody knows. And what it could and that is aov busy port and mainly we were anl commodity. You have been chairman of the Port Authority being in the barge and speak and infrastructure built and i want to work with the chairmen and ranking ochairman andthe rankin. Weve got to do that and weve got to do that soon. Thank you, senator shelby i want to thank the witnesses for participating in this conversation. Few states play a greater role in the National Freight system in the state of illinois. It is the epicenter of the network and waterway system we must consider the system as a competitive advantage and unfortunately this is rapidly eroding. Do you agree with the American Society in the United States but its somewhere in the ballpark of 2 trillion of Infrastructure Investment gap over the next ten years . Not only do i agree with it but i hope people shout it fromm the rooftops over and over aga again. It is driving force, the need is so great we cant look the other way its input into the country that we do this not just economically solving the problem but the idea that congress can come together and address such an important issue that has such an impact on jobs is something that we cannot just heard from. They are to bill you people and they reviewed deciding and competing for our jobs and income. So the idea to have a shortfall Funding Program in ways port is a dramatic stick and we cannot walk away because literally freight is the future. I cannot agree more. 2trilliondollar gap do you agree it is 110 billion . With 110 or 115 million 115 million per year we need to continue that to get back to the 400 milliondollar per year Program Going a long way to getting the locks and dams modernize keeping the industry competitive in the world market markets. But buying cornyn soybean from brazil because we could gett a faster than moving it down the mississippi from illinois. So my concern is with the tax cut geared toward the lord large corporations so we build the aging infrastructure it is this engine that is a disturbing trend you suggest a roadmap of priorities that cut 150 application funding is misguide misguided. Misguided is inconsistent with what we are advocating we are willing to pay more we artie pay more when you are moving 70 you invested in your backyard. So having good roads and bridges with maintenance are major returns for raising the fuel tax it has not been done since 73 or indexed or we would not be having this conversation right now. And they impede our ability to grow to embrace interstate commerce. Thank you but i just want to say the president suggested that corporate revenue could pay for investment that they were exclusively to use to bring down the tax rate. And there is 1 trillion there. With those loopholes to pay Capital Gains rates with responsible reforms to generate enough revenue twice adding insult to injury to pay for the infrastructure proposal so the president Test Infrastructure spendingdi it 200 billion with thebi trickledown taxes and now will pay for his proposal on the back of illinois families with handouts to wall street 44 million jobs rely on the network we need to get serious to grow the economy to go up against south korea and japan andd china so with that i yield back. Thank you. Speaking of that so the wear and tear on locks and dams the state of arkansas does appreciate but i dont think we are smart in the way that we do things. We would very much like to go to 12 feet relatively inexpensive expenditure and with less wear and tear. And then have 40 more product. And to talk about that and to get that situation to take the dollars that we have with a more efficient system the bigger locks are more efficient to help lower freight costs. So what we can do and to enact the policy changes with the resourcesm that demand these projects and effectively move the country forward. And so lets talk about specific things. And in the Truck Parking spaces is there anything we couldg help you with . There is a shortage this is reflected with the infrastructure. And then that comes into effect in 2013 so now for good reasons pulling over on shoulders on and off her hymns for putting the public in jeopardy. Thepa infrastructure does not accommodate the parking situation yet we require them to be rested. It is a reflection and then to expand infrastructure this is what you get. With an increase in the fuel tax do you have any other ideas we could delve into . So there is a low administrative burden. And then that is what you would receive so to work with congress to raise revenue with conductivity to put the criteria into the testimony to be certain it is consistent with whatever policy is an expensive to pay and collect and be devoted to other causes and we would entertain Anything Congress puts on the table meaning that criteria to give our support around that. We recognize it is antiquated and beyond ten years it will not capture the environment or. We wouldo challenge congress to Start Talking about what wil we do to fund future infrastructure . Therell be a lot more alternative vehicles on the road and the way we raise revenue is not capturing that audience. We will work with you but this is the wisest most efficient but then to put that money into roads and bridges immediately. Very quickly mr. Parker we were not aware of the big resources bill. When you talk about the importance we dont want to get into that situation. Thank you. It is important to stay ahead of the curve with the chief reports. And then to adapt ages just stop playing behind the curve. With that safety issue that is when it goes under the body of a large truck. Accidents happen because most they go straight to the windows and those that have injuries including decapitation. They are fatal so this past summer for individuals were killed and then but now they can no longer slide under the truck during an accident are you aware the ntsb has recommended rear guards and are you aware the highway and thengu to be referring for serious injury or death for Highway Safety performance is at 40 Miles Per Hour . And to provide an exemption it makes it easier to advocate the measure. This is what we should push forward. And 40000 per year and ask that you press on the dot to speed up that analysis with the added weight talking 80000 pounds to solve the safetyfe problem by creating another one. Ot i very much would like to have that report that validate the compromise and the integrity of the trailer itself. I think it is only 800 pounds per panel so overall it is not a lot. From what i understand it is because they carry less freight so they are putting money in front of safety. If you say we have to reduce freight that will be a massive figure. That is a big number the exemption is well taken. Ims a to make certain it does not compromise if a mom not a problem then why report . Ar with regard and the infrastructure to entities. 7. 4 million strong one of sixx jobs pay half the tab of the trust fund and now this is extra money to spend for the great framework that you put together. As a cabinet we long cabin we are willing to pay. We existing roads and bridges are extortion. They are double dipping we are happy to pay more. That is a good deal. Ink used in other words comment. Thanks to the panel this has been extremely important to underscore the point that senator shelby made that to move forward with infrastructure because in the introduction and the last year but it has been very helpful to have your input. Thanks for coming. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]