Introduction of the Improving Access to Services Act

Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García
Congressional Record, 116th Congress
Extension of Remarks
7 April 2020

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the 
Improving Access to Services Act along with my colleagues Congresswoman 
Ayanna Pressley and Congressman Mark Takano.
  Our transportation system is failing Americans who are stuck in 
congestion, traveling on roads and transit systems in disrepair, and 
forced to travel further and further to reach essential services.
  The Improving Access to Services Act would require that `safe and 
convenient access to services' is an added condition for States' 
minimum standards for public roads--for both new construction and 
roadway improvement projects. These services include health care 
facilities, child care, education and workforce training, affordable 
housing, food sources, banking and financial institutions, and other 
retail shopping establishments.
  States and metropolitan planning organizations will assess how the 
transportation system connects people to services by auto, transit, 
bike, and pedestrian investments, and ensures new investments do not 
degrade transit, bike, and pedestrian access.
  The Improving Access to Services Act will also adjust the definition 
of access to incorporate a measurement of travel times, travel stress 
for active travel (bike and pedestrian), and cost for low-income 
travelers.
  I am glad that the Improving Access to Services Act is endorsed by 
Transportation for America (T4A), Sierra Club, National Resources 
Defense Council (NRDC), National Association of City Transportation 
Officials (NACTO), Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), Rails-
to-Trails Conservancy.
  The Improving Access to Services Act will reconnect our communities, 
enabling people to take shorter, more convenient trips, reducing 
congestion and emissions, and improving access to services for all.
  I urge this body to swiftly pass this legislation.