Untitled Document

U.S. Senate approves resolution marking
50th anniversary of interstates

The Senate on April 5 approved a resolution introduced by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) and the members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate System. The text of Senator Inhofe's
remarks, and the text of the resolution follow.

Action on a House resolution is still pending.

"We appreciate the assistance of the Associated General Contractors who worked with us in bringing this to the attention of the House and Senate transportation leadership," said a representative of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

"You will recall that the Board of Directors had directed that AASHTO take a lead role in the Interstate Anniversary commemoration and approved a pooled-fund project to support a number of initiatives. A full report on the many events underway or being planned around the country, including the "Celebrate the Interstate Cross Country Convoy," June 16-29, will be made at the upcoming spring meeting at Jekyll Island.

Concurrent Resolution

Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System.

Whereas on June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 to establish a 41,000-mile National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, known as the Interstate Highway System, and the Highway Revenue Act of 1956 to create a Highway Trust Fund;

Whereas in 1990, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways was renamed the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways to recognize President Eisenhower's role in the creation of the System;

Whereas in 2006, this web of superhighways, now spanning a total of 46,876 miles throughout the United States, has had a powerful and positive impact on our national life;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System has proven vital in transporting people and goods from one region to another speedily and safely;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System has facilitated trade both within our national borders and globally and helped create unprecedented economic expansion and opportunities for millions of Americans;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System has brought diverse communities throughout our land closer together and kept us connected to one another as well as the larger world;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System has made it easier and often more enjoyable to travel to long-distance destinations and spend time with family members and friends who live far away;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System is a pivotal component in our national system of defense and emergency preparedness efforts;

Whereas the Interstate Highway System remains one of our country's paramount assets as well as a symbol of human ingenuity and freedom; andWhereas this anniversary provides an occasion to both honor one of the largest public works achievements of all time and reflect on how it can remain effective in the years ahead:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress –