MCCAIN SETS 2003 TRANSPORTATION AGENDA FOR SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE

MCCAIN SETS 2003 TRANSPORTATION AGENDA FOR SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE    Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in the newly Republican-controlled Senate, has placed maritime, aviation and land transport issues on his list of legislative priorities for 2003.
   McCain said the committee would continue to oversee the security of the country’s transportation system, including the ongoing implementation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act and the Port and Maritime Security Act.
   The committee will hold a series of hearings to reauthorize the safety programs under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
   The Senate Commerce Committee will also consider legislation to reauthorize the Hazardous Materials Transportation Program and the Rail Safety Act, and other federal transportation programs.
   In addition, the committee will consider reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program and reform of the Title XI Maritime Loan Guarantee Program.