†
HR 3 EAS
‘‘(C) continued planning for and investment
in surface transportation is critical to ensure the
surface transportation system adequately meets
the changing travel demands of the future;
‘‘(D) among the foremost needs that the sur-
face transportation system must meet to provide
for a strong and vigorous national economy are
safe, efficient, and reliable—
‘‘(i) national and interregional per-
sonal mobility (including personal mobility
in rural and urban areas) and reduced con-
gestion;
‘‘(ii) flow of interstate and inter-
national commerce and freight transpor-
tation; and
‘‘(iii) travel movements essential for
national security;
‘‘(E) special emphasis should be devoted to
providing safe and efficient access for the type
and size of commercial and military vehicles
that access designated National Highway System
intermodal freight terminals;
‘‘(F) it is in the national interest to seek
ways to eliminate barriers to transportation in-
†
HR 3 EAS
vestment created by the current modal structure
of transportation financing;
‘‘(G) the connection between land use and
infrastructure is significant;
‘‘(H) transportation should play a signifi-
cant role in promoting economic growth, improv-
ing the environment, and sustaining the quality
of life; and
‘‘(I) the Secretary should take appropriate
actions to preserve and enhance the Interstate
System to meet the needs of the 21st Century.’’.
(b) NATIONAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION POLICY
STUDY COMMISSION.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a
commission to be known as the ‘‘National Surface
Transportation Policy Study Commission’’ (referred
to in this subsection as the ‘‘Commission’’).
(2) MEMBERSHIP.—
(A) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall
be composed of 12 members, of whom—
(i) 1 member shall be the Secretary,
who shall serve as Chairperson;
(ii) 3 members shall be appointed by
the President;
†
HR 3 EAS
(iii) 2 members shall be appointed by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(iv) 2 members shall be appointed by
the minority leader of the House of Rep-
resentatives;
(v) 2 members shall be appointed by
the majority leader of the Senate; and
(vi) 2 members shall be appointed by
the minority leader of the Senate.
(B) QUALIFICATIONS.—Members appointed
under paragraph (1)—
(i) shall include individuals rep-
resenting State and local governments, met-
ropolitan planning organizations, transpor-
tation-related industries, academic and
technical institutions, and public interest
organizations involved with scientific, regu-
latory, economic, and environmental trans-
portation activities; and
(ii) shall be balanced geographically to
the extent consistent with maintaining the
highest level of expertise on the Commission.
(C) DATE
OF
APPOINTMENTS.—The ap-
pointment of a member of the Commission shall
†
HR 3 EAS
be made not later than 120 days after the date
of establishment of the Commission.
(D) TERMS.—A member shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission.
(E) 
VACANCIES.—A 
vacancy 
on 
the
Commission—
(i) shall not affect the powers of the
Commission; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner
as the original appointment was made.
(F) INITIAL MEETING.—Not later than 30
days after the date on which all members of the
Commission have been appointed, the Commis-
sion shall hold the initial meeting of the Com-
mission.
(G) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall
meet at the call of the Chairperson.
(H) QUORUM.—A majority of the members
of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but
a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(I) VICE CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission
shall select a Vice Chairperson from among the
members of the Commission.
(3) DUTIES.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall—
†
HR 3 EAS
(i) conduct a complete and comprehen-
sive investigation and study of—
(I) the current condition and fu-
ture needs of the surface transportation
system; and
(II) a comprehensive study of al-
ternatives to replace or to supplement
the fuel tax as the principal revenue
source to support the Highway Trust
Fund and suggest new or alternative
sources of revenue to fund the needs of
the surface transportation system over
at least the next 30 years;
(B) develop a conceptual plan, with alter-
native approaches, for the future to ensure that
the surface transportation system will continue
to serve the needs of the United States, including
specific recommendations regarding design and
operational standards, Federal policies, and leg-
islative changes;
(C) consult with the Secretary and the Sec-
retary of the Treasury in conducting the study
to ensure that the views of the Secretaries con-
cerning essential attributes of Highway Trust
Fund revenue alternatives are considered;