Washington, D.C. - "President Bill Clinton's proposal to cut nearly $100 million in Texas highway funds will increase congestion and delay the repair of unsafe roadways," according to United States Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands).

"At a time when we are seeing more and more lives lost to roadway hazards, it is irresponsible to divert much-needed highway funds that communities have been promised and are counting on," said Brady. "Delaying completion of these construction projects will only jeopardize more lives."

Houston area highways have experienced a number of deaths related to hazardous construction lane changes, including two fatal accidents on I-45 north near the Spring-Stuebner overpass. In response to calls by state legislators for immediate action, Texas Department of Highway officials cite completion of on-going construction projects as the ultimate way to enhance safety.

In his fiscal year 2001 budget sent to Congress this week, President Clinton proposes diverting part of the $3 billion federal gas tax surplus away from state highway spending to Amtrak, passenger rail service, natural disaster aid and improvements to Native American lands.

Texas would lose a whopping $97 million next year under the president's proposal, the second biggest loser in the country according to a House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee analysis released Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

"Unfortunately, this proposal appears to be more about election-year politics than highway safety. It doesn't make sense and I hope we can preserve our promised share of highway funds," stated Brady.