This, of course, is only the starting point. The United States faces an urgent imperative to ease congestion and to improve transportation efficiency. In surface, aviation and marine transportation, we face a serious capacity shortfall. Finding ways to reduce transportation congestion and gridlock is an essential quality of life issue in cities and towns nationwide. This also would have my intense focus.
Transportation is increasingly global, interconnected and consolidated.
If confirmed, I would aggressively support technological and managerial innovation to squeeze additional value from our precious transportation dollars. I would support intermodal freight and passenger transportation systems that preserve healthy competition. The opportunity to serve as Deputy Secretary would mark a second tour of duty for me at the Department of Transportation. To support President Bush and Secretary Mineta, to join transportation colleagues in meeting the Department s vital mission, these are tasks to which I will gratefully dedicate my energy, experience, commitment and passion. Finally, let me pledge to the members of this Committee that I will always be candid with you and receptive to your input.