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Rep. Thomas Reed

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Commuter Protection Act, of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor. This bipartisan, responsible legislation brings oversight of our nation's federally funded highway system back to the United States Department of Transportation, giving them the ability to determine whether tolls imposed by regional and state toll authorities are just and reasonable. This was an authority the Department of Transportation had previously, and one I believe should be restored. Importantly, they would only have oversight when, and if, there was a complaint about a toll practice.

Representing the 29th Congressional District of the great state of New York, this is an issue that impacts my constituents directly. Recent actions taken by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are indicative of the abusive toll structure that can be imposed when agencies are left unchecked. The Port Authority recently raised toll rates for all of its bridges and tunnels, which, when fully implemented, will charge 5-axle tractor-semitrailers $105 per crossing. Mister Speaker, this is a 163% cost jump, with rates three times higher than Philadelphia, the next highest city for tolls on trucks.

Mr. Speaker, a toll increase like this has a tremendously negative impact on my constituents who transport goods in and out of New York City. I have heard directly from many of them, like Ken Johnson who owns Leonards Express, a trucking company in Ontario County, about the harm this would do for his business and others throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier. Additionally, it is clear that ultimately consumers will bear the burden of paying higher prices for goods they buy in stores.

While I understand making needed safety improvements to our nation's roads necessitates increasing tolls from time to time, I do not understand--nor has the Port Authority given--the justification for a rise of this magnitude. Thus, we need the Department of Transportation to be able to review these toll structures, and others across the country, to ensure taxpayer interests are being best served. Consumers and businesses should not be forced to pay the price for mismanagement, and that is why I urge my colleagues to support the Commuter Protection Act.