Washington, D.C.-Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, made the following statement today on the 79 to 21 Senate vote approving funding increases for transportation:

"The Senate did the right thing today by approving the Bond-Reid amendment, which provides the necessary funding to address the nation's transportation needs. Through a number of budgetary changes, we can afford this responsible increase without raising taxes and increasing the deficit.

"The Bond-Reid amendment corrects an $80 billion shortfall from 2004 to 2009. It sets a reasonable spending level of $39.2 billion in 2004 and moves in the direction of at least maintaining existing infrastructure.

"I look forward to working with the Bush Administration and my colleagues on the EPW Committee in crafting legislation that addresses the complexities and growth of the nation's transportation system."

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