The Senate actually does something!

Here's a little something that moves forward the debate on infrastructure improvements. The National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2006 (S. 2388) -- introduced by Senators Voinovich (R-OH), Carper (D-DE) and Clinton (D-NY) -- would establish a national commission to conduct a study of “all matters relating to the infrastructure of the United States.” The study would (1) address the aging conditions of public infrastructure and the need for repair before “catastrophic” loss of life or property, (2) focus on improvements that support long-term economic development, and (3) examine innovative financing/investment options. “This study is an important step in focusing attention on the state of our nation’s roads, bridges, dams and other public works, and the need to address adequate funding mechanisms to maintain and rebuild our country’s infrastructure,” says Gerry Shaheen, Group President of Caterpillar Inc., speaking in his capacity as 2006 chairman of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “We encourage Congress to pass this legislation to demonstrate the seriousness of the issue and the important role a vital infrastructure plays in our daily lives at work and leisure.” In introducing the legislation, sponsors cited U.S. Department of Transportation figures that poor road conditions cost U.S. motorists $54 billion annually in repairs and operating costs (about $275 per motorist) and that Americans spend 3.5 billion hours a year stuck in traffic, at a cost of $63.2 billion a year to the economy. Your comment?