President Eisenhower’s Statement on the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1959

Date: September 21, 1959

Created By: Dwight D. Eisenhower and James Hagerty

Original or Replica: Original

Era: The Interstate Highway System, The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: Kevin McCann Collection of Press and Radio Conferences and Press Releases, Box 23, September 1959; NAID #16857652

This document is a public statement issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 21, 1959, following his approval of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1959. Released by the White House through Press Secretary James C. Hagerty, the statement explains the President’s reasons for signing the legislation while expressing concerns that it did not fully meet the long-term financial needs of the Interstate Highway System.

In the statement, President Eisenhower explains that he had previously proposed increasing the federal gasoline tax to ensure the Interstate Highway Program remained self-supporting and on schedule. Although the bill did not include the level of revenue he believed was necessary, he signed it to avoid major disruptions to ongoing highway construction, state transportation budgets, and the national economy. Eisenhower also warns that insufficient funding could delay completion of the Interstate Highway System and announces a comprehensive review of the program’s financing, administration, and federal-state responsibilities to ensure its long-term success.

The Interstate Highway System, established under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, was one of the largest public works projects in American history. Designed to improve national defense, strengthen interstate commerce, and modernize the nation’s transportation infrastructure, the system became one of President Eisenhower’s signature domestic achievements. This statement provides valuable insight into his continuing efforts to ensure the program’s financial stability and successful completion.