Read the passage from President Eisenhower’s 1955 message to Congress regarding highways. The Nation’s highway system is a gigantic enterprise, one of our largest items of capital investment. Generations have gone into its building. Three million, three hundred and sixty-six thousand miles of road, traveled by 58 million motor vehicles, comprise it. The replacement cost of its drainage and bridge and tunnel works is incalculable. One in every seven Americans gains his livelihood and supports his family out of it. But, in large part, the network is inadequate for the nation’s growing needs.

What claim is Eisenhower making?

Although useful, the national highway system costs too much to maintain.

Despite its size, the national highway system is unusable for many people.

Despite its age, the national highway system is in surprisingly good condition.

Although impressive, the national highway system needs to be upgraded for the future.