For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 18, 2001
President Signs Transportation Appropriations Act
Statement by the President
Today I have signed into law H.R. 2299, the "Department of
Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002."
I appreciate the bipartisan effort that has gone into producing
this Act. The bill abides by the agreed upon aggregate
funding level for Fiscal Year 2002 of $686 billion and supports several
of my Administration's key initiatives with:
- $140 million for border safety to ensure
an open border for trade between the United States and Mexico through
the establishment of an inspection and certification system that will
ensure a high level of motor carrier safety;
- $5 billion for Coast Guard operations and
capital expenses, including $243 million to support expanded drug
interdiction efforts as authorized in the Western Hemisphere Drug
Elimination Act;
- $1.2 billion for the newly created
Transportation Security Administration to enhance airport and aircraft
security;
- $32.8 billion for key highway
infrastructure and safety initiatives in compliance with authorized
levels;
- $10.2 billion for aviation operations and
airport improvement grants to expand safety, security, and capacity;
and
- $6.7 billion for mass transit grants and
capital programs.
Several provisions in the bill purport to require congressional
approval before executive branch execution of aspects of the
bill. I will interpret such provisions to require
notification only, since any other interpretation would contradict the
Supreme Court ruling in INS v. Chadha.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
December 18, 2001.
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