Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-12
CONGRESS AIMS
TO AID MOTORISTS
Measures Seek $4,000, 900,
600 for Federal Highways
and Rural Roads.

The problems of the millions of mo-
florists of the United States are at last
being given serious consideration by
Congress.
Proof of this fact, it is pointed out by
the American Motorists Association, is
evidenced by score or more of bills
introduced in the present Congress.
The prime purpose of each measure is
to assist the automobile owner solve his
traffic and other motoring problems.
"An analysis Of the bills thrown into
the legislative hopper Of the present
Congress shows that total of $3,000,-
post roads is being sought by the various
measures" Thomas j. Keefe. general
manager of the A. M A., declares.
The authors of these various bills, of
course, do not expect anything like this
gigantic sum to be appropriated by the
Federal Government in behalf of Fed
eral aid. The large number of indi-
vidual highway bills-the largest in the
history of Congress-indicates, however,
the widespread interest being evidenced
in highway construction" it Is pointed
out by the A. M. A. legislative survey.
I'm addition to financial aid proposed
by more than score of bills, invaluable
assistance to the cause of the American
motorists Is contemplated in numerous
bills and resolutions having as their
purpose the establishment of various
highway commissions.
Propose New Highways.
Outstanding is the Mcleod bill fol-
the creation of a pan-American high
way connecting the two American con-
tinents; the McNary bill for an Alaska
Canadian-United States highway, and
the Rohsion-Phipps resolution for the
creation of a United States motorways
commission, looking to the establish
ment of an express highway system
| throughout the United States.
Numerous bills have also been intro
duced and are now before various COM
mittees which would authorize what /;
known as special aid. The majority re-
constructing highways in Western
States which have high percentage OF
| public land within their domain, anc
are therefore deprived Of tax revenue.
on same. Other bills are for specia
relate to forest roads and trails, the va
rious special aid highway measure!
aggregating $37,500.000.
Another class of legislation, which
will rebound to the motorist is the so.
called regulatory bills for Federal licens.
ing Of motor bus traffic. Regulation Of
buses, requiring financial responsibility
proper maintenance, etc, will NEAR
safer highways" the A. M. A. statement
| points out. Three such measures are
now pending.
Federal Aid Increased.
lone of the most encouraging indica-
tons of the trend of the congressional
mind toward the motorists problems,
! Keefe points out was evidenced dur.
ing the hearings before the House com.
| mittee on roads, on the Dowell bill in.
creasing Federal aid to $l25 ,000, 900 pei
year.
THE committee unanimously reported
the measure and also unanimously rec.
commended to the House favorable &C.
ton on the bill. Furthermore in its re.
port, accompanying the bill, the com.
mittee called attention to the fact thai
no witness had appeared before tn,
committee in opposition to the measure
independent Of Federal legislation
there is an unprecedented amount o.
States highway legislation now being
formulated all having common pur.
pose OF incrqeased highway construc
ton"
Keefe declares. This is evidenced b,
the fact that within two weeks after tn,
President held his so-called "Hoove
prosperity huddle" 81 State governor
telegraphed the White House that the,
would Immediately launch an augment
ed highway program.
All in all the 1880 highway program
looms pleasing and promising on tn,
motorists horizon" the A. p. A. surve,
concludes.