Transcripts For CSPAN Secretary Chao Testifies On FY 2018 Budget 20170618

Cspan programs are available at cspan. Org. It is on our homepage or video library. Secretarysportation alain shout testifies on a president s 2018 budget request and other priorities for her department. From houseuestions members about the president s plan to privatize the nations air Traffic Control system and reductions to transportation projects. This is two hours. The subcommittee will come to order. Before i began, i know that all of our minds are a little bit elsewhere because of the incident yesterday at the baseball practice field. I just wanted to, once again mention how all of us are whip,g for, obviously the steve scalise. The two Brave Police Officers along with a member of the staff and a former member of the staff who were injured. We cannot forget them and we do not. We wish their full recoveries. With that, this morning we welcome secretary chao to testify for the department of transportation 2018 budget. I dont have to tell any of you that secretary chao comes to this position with frankly one of the most impressive records of Public Service that anyone will ever see. Having served as chair of the ,ederal Maritime Commission deputies secretary of the department of transportation, director of the peace corps, and secretary to the department of labor. Not to mention a number of leadership positions in the private sector, the nonfor nonprofit sectors, and you have led large and complex corporations corporations. We are fortunate to have somebody of your knowledge and heading dlt as we are facing challenges. Nobody is more prepared menu. Then you. We are grateful you agreed to work and come back to Public Service, as you always have. Thank you for your service to our nation. I look forward to working with you to maintain and improve the Transportation System, all the while ensuring that our Infrastructure Investments lead to Economic Growth and really to improve the daytoday lives of the american people, which is really what we are talking about. Thebudget request for department of transportation is 16. 3 billion in discretionary. A total of 75 billion in total resources including obligation limitations for Service Transportation and aviation programs. Safety is this committees top priority for dlt. I am pleased with the budget request placing priority on safety programs and funding several programs consistent with the fast act. Continuing many safety previous 17n the bill. That is frankly very good news. In addition to focusing on safety of the transportation network, we must ensure that we in grow the economy. Yes through fiscally responsible transportation investments. In doing so we must ensure that we do not leave Rural America and economically distressed areas behind. As we make the tough decisions that face us for the 2018 and beyond,2018 budget and i want you to know that i want to work with you. We want to work with you to make sure that we continue to present your service to small towns and promote communities. I want to make sure that we address the needs for the rural communities. I also want to take a careful look at transit as an important component of the transportation network. We can, we must make tough choices in federal spending. We all have to do that. We all have to be willing to do that. I have some concerns about the administrations proposal to terminate departments that work with local governments on several transit projects. I look forward to working with you and through all of those very difficult issues. I look forward to a spirited discussion about the administrations proposal to transfer airTraffic Control operations from facilities to a corporate, nongovernmental entity. We are dealing with a monopoly, whether it is a monopoly controlled by the government or a monopoly controlled by somebody else, it will still be a monopoly. I have not been shy of saying that i believe we should maintain air Traffic Control system. That is accountable to the public, it is on by the public and it should be accountable by the public. Eye dont see any other way to achieve this then to maintain our role. Ive i believe preserving the publics voice, frankly, is the only way to maintain the airspace as a national asset. And to protect access to all users. This is key. Drones and space operators, in many cases we dont know what they are, but we know it is happening now. Maximum extent possible protect the right of the traveling public. Aerospace isecret, the most, located in the world with a unmatched Safety Record. We can Work Together to build on that Safety Record and i look forward to. Open the airspace to more users. Lets make sure we are not limiting it but opening it to more users. Some are beyond our imagination that are starting to happen. Madam secretary, know that i look forward to discussing this issue with you today and not only today, the continuing those conversations in the weeks and months ahead. Secretary, i appreciate your attention. And the attention the president has given to infrastructure last week. sproving the nations infrastructure is an area where we can find Common Ground and make a real improvements to the daily lives of the american people. Not only in their ability to get around, but frankly to help the economy. I really look forward to working with you and my colleagues to make smart investments, to go after waste of a cut rate cut taxpayers. D helps thank you for your service to the nation, thank you for appearing before us today, and with that i would like to yield now to my Ranking Member, mr. Price. You. Rice thank welcome, madam secretary, were glad to have you here. I want to associate myself with the chairmans remarks about yesterdays tragedy and the concern we all have our and,ague, steve scalise, in particular i want to acknowledge david bailey, one of the Police Officers who is injured. A North Carolina central graduate and we have followed his progress over the years area we really have come together as an institution as as a and as a country. Come. Some good will in the meantime, we are dealing with real, difficulties, tragedt command our attention attention and our good wishes. Were here this morning to examine the 2018 budget request for the department of transportation. This system that were funding facilitated facilitated the flow of commerce, impacts eave american. We know that investness transportation infrastructure keeps safe, improves the economy, creates jobs. Unfortunately we also know that were not doing so well according to objective on servers such as the American Society of civil engineers, whose 2017 report card gives americas infrastructure a grade of only dplus. The report concludes we need to invest nearly 4. 5 trillion decide just to bring the infrastructure from poor to good condition. We have heard a lot recently about the need reduce bureaucratic re tape, encourage investment in preparation projects. They wont deliver result without a core of robust federal funding. To maintain and modernize and improper our nations Transportation System. We must take bold stubsteps to reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance to move the transportation infrastructure back to a state of good repair and make Strategic Investments in new technologies to make transportation safer and more efficient. The challenge for us is clear and only gets worse without action on the part of congress and this administration. Have to say i think this Budget Proposal falls short of that mark. The result largely adheres to the funked levels agreed pop in the fast act for programmed that rely on trust fund dollar but overall Budget Authority would be cut by 3. 1 billion decide or 16 . The brunt of these decisions affect transportation, rail other, projects critical to the transportation future. For example, the highly competitive Capital Investment grants would be discontinued for all projected that have full Funding Grant agreements. Despite the fact that funding for this program was increased just two months ago in the bipartisan omnibus package. Ending the cig program would upend dozens of badly needed transited projections in the country including two any home district in. They existing funding amendment from state and local government wood not longer be enough to move forward with construction. Dooming many projects to failure. We should be encouraging more state and local investment in transit, eliminate thing federal matching dollars with heat exactly have exactly the on effect. Equally concerning i could point to successful projects in my district and my state that leverage funds from other sources. This is a very successful Grant Program. It supports innovative projects, regional and national significance. Difficult to fund through traditional federal programs. Tiger grants are a awarded on a competitive basis and every member knows how competitive the process is, how far the demand for funding exceed his current supply. Congress provide ed hundred million for tiger grantses in the the omnibus package and its zeroed out in this budget. Passenger rail fares poorly. The Department Seeks to end amtraks National Rate biz smashing the network by 50 and proposed 28 cut incredibly for the havely traveled northeast corridor. Meanwhile, amtrak is breaking ridership records and more americans look to rail for commuting needed. Support for a Robust National rail system has been reaffirmed by members of both parties, including the most recent longterm transportation reauthorization bill and we have strong validation from North Carolina where traveling from charlotte to raleigh and the other has been a model for efficient and pleasant transportation. You stated that safety must remain a top priority of the department, yet the budget request would cut funding in operations and research account, the safe and realizations account at the federal railroad, the Pipeline Safety administration, and aviation safety activitied within the foo faas accounted. Im puzzled by. We need to know how the department will maintain safety. Want to shift gears and address air Traffic Control. The administration has endorsed the outlines of chairman schusters privatization proposal. I have grave concerns about this, said that repeatedly. This would sever faas aviation safety and air Traffic Control components. The model would reduce transparent and i and oversight and allow for fee incorrections, diminished as sees to the National Air Space and antipress dented give away of Taxpayer Fund its assets to an untested private entity and then the progress were making, threaten efforts to modernize delivering billions in savings to airlines and customers. So the budget request not only unrealistically assumes a quick transition to a private entity and defers Capital Investment inside faas that is directly at odd midst notion of improving atc operation. The other and also the Infrastructure Initiative and this is something hat has potential for bipartisan support. But we dont have enough to work with. Its a sixpage document, rather vague, mentioning 200 billion in federal outlays that supposedly would leverage 800 billion in spite of nonfederal investment. Of course we need more details about this to even begin to assess it. Before i close we need to acknowledge that we still have no budget resolution no top line spending number, no subcommittee allocations. Theres talk ol rushing to assembly a republican only omnibus package would represent a complete abandonment of the regular order. Even if we reject thed a meteorologists draconian cuts to discretionary funding the appropriations process is at risk of completely breaking down if were forced to write our bills to sequestration limits. Bipartisan budget agreementers are required given the requirementeds of the budget control act. If we have workable allocations to write transportation hud and other appropriations bills. I know we want to work in this cooperative farc but cooperative fashion. I look forward to your tim today. Work with you to ensure that Vital Transportation programs are adequately funded. Thank you. And thank you mr. Chairman. Thank you mr. Price. Now im, toly honored to pleased to welcome one of the besidest leaders, the chairman. Mr. Frelinghuysen. Itsits. Its a pleasure to walk welcome secretary chao to another stint serving our public so well. Thank you very much for being here, madam secretary. We look forward to your testimony. Let me just add on what dr. Price and mr. Mr. Bollaad. Were shocked to the core and pray for the quick recover for those wounded and we raised the profile of the Important Role of our Capitol Police and may i say a lot of what you do as sect is you have within your purview or out your purview the men and women who protect our harbors, our tunnels, our airports, our train stations, sometimes we pass by them and we acknowledge them but sometimes dont expect that at some point they might have to put their lives on the line. Want to take this opportunity to recognize their role and raise their profile. Todays hearing is an important part of the oversight duty idea of the commit. The power of the purse resides here on capitol hill. As secretary of transportation youre responsible for maintaining and improving the nations infrastructure, and protecting it. As we pursue policies and programs to grow our economy, so too we must grow our infrastructure to support it. In that context, id like to bring up a critical project for our national economy. The gateway project and the hudson thumb tunnel project. Over 50 Million People between the District Of Columbia and botts has 20 of the Gross National product. Safe and reliable Passenger Rail service is essential to that economic opportunity, whether it we the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between. Were build thing hudson tunnel is a vital importance to our region and my home state of new jersey. Given the clear benefit of the im concerned about the budget provision limiting funding for Capital Investment grants, referred to on the committee as new starts. And iger to hear either in this setting or outside this room how the Department Plans to support this vital infrastructure proposal for the new yorknew jersey region. Also taken note of the administration residents proposal to spend 200 billion on targeted federal investments to Leverage Private sector resources so the ends result in at least 1 trillion in total infrastructure spending. Like to hear more about the specifics and how it will improve our infrastructure planning for state and local governmented but above all we welcome you, madam secretary, and thank you, mr. Chairman, for the time. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Madam secretary, youre full of written testimony will be submitted. Youre recognized now for five minutedful thank you. Discuss the president s fiscal year 2018 budget request for transportation. My colleagues and i share your thoughts and prayers for those injured in yesterdays incidents and were so grateful that the Capital Police were there. On transportation we all share the same goal, to ensure that our countrys Transportation Systems are safe, dependable and ready to adapt to transformational new technologies. The president s 2018 budget represents a bold vision for our transportation infrastructure, the administration has carefully studied our current spending patterns and has taken a closer look at programs that may not be meeting their intended purposes, have outrafted their usefulness or could be replaced with new initiatived that will better address future transportation needed temp request ising and 76 bill decide for transportation. This request fully fund surface transportation programs, including the fast act, provides steady state funding for the majority of other transportation programs. The budget provides new policy direction in several key areas, first, our transportation infrastructure is crumbling and in need of attention. To address the concern the president proposed longterm reformed that change the way Infrastructure Project are regulate, funded, delivered, and maintained. The president s plan will create incentives for additional state, local, and private funding, and well ensure that federal funding is leveraged to maximize infrastructure investment. The president has identified a total federal commitment of 200 billion for Infrastructure Improvements of which a portion will be directed towards Rural America. Nest the president s fiscal year 2082018 budget has a proposal that represents a major shift for the faa. Despite spending billions of taxpayer dollars and decades of effort the government hat not been able to fully implement stateoftheart air Traffic Control technology. Air Traffic Controller still use paper strips to keep track of flights and pilots are guided using 1960s technologies, radar, for example. Congestion and delays cost more than 25 billion annually and higher fuel costs, lost product different and our quality of life. By 2020, air passenger traffic will soar to over 1 billion annually. Air faith is expected to more than double of the next three decades. Drones and Unmanned Aircraft systems have to be integrated into the National Air Space. Without change the Current System will be unable to keep up. So this administration has proposed moving air Traffic Control operations to a nonprofit, nongovernmental, independent cooperative. The safety regulatory joe e oversight fungses will remain at fa and this would resolve a longstanding conflict of interest with the operate air Traffic Control regulating its own safety. More than 50 Countries Worldwide currently have this structure of separating out air Traffic Control and air safety regulations. Finally, the president calls for reforming some of our other transportation programs, like ftas Capital Investment Grant Program, the discretionary portion of the essential air service, and amtraks Long Distance routes. The president also recommends we revisit the tiger Grant Programs, the truck infrastructure principles outlean i but the high lights alternative ways to fund worthy projects using a different funding formula moving forward. It also will recognize the administration residents commitment to Rural America as we revitalize our transportation infrastructure. Thank you very much for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the president s budget. Im actually 20 seconds ahead of time. Id be more than glad to answer your question. We try to keep on time so we approximately proceed with fiveminute rounds. I want to thank the members of the subcommittee. Were pretty strict and trying to keep to the timeline. I get help doing so. With that, madam secretary, as i mentioned, ive drawn a very bright line to really my opposition transferring air Traffic Control system to a what in essence is a corporate monopoly. That will remain a monopoly. The question is who will run it. Im wide open to finding ways to improvement the way the faa makes changes and how i can even do my job our our job better. Always subject to doing a better job. The problem, though, is that im concerned that proposal would reduce or eliminate the publics voice in some as criticalling a the national air Traffic Control. Im open and i have for decades been open to privatization and competition. This isnt privatize as, its monopoly and all the assets have been paid for by the taxpayers will be transferred over to this other group, and i think it potentially could frankly create great risk if we were to hand the decisions over to an unaccountable corporate board, and so thats the only level of accountability im hearing in this bill, through this board of directors. Just dont see how a board of directors made up of good people from Different Industries while do anything other than support the issues of their industries, of their special interests. So, yes, agree our Current System, like everything else, is imperfect, but it does give a guaranteed voice to the public interest, and so thats one of the issues i want to continue to talk with you about. And in addition, to basic accountability to the public, i also want to make sure we preserve the nations air space as a place of innovation. I know youre committed to that ating we. Were seeing an explosion inform thank you intrants, dropped, commercial space operators. New general aviation testify nothings and in this next teching in thes and in the next generation well move people through the air beyond what we see today and thats why handing that does a board controlled by special interests, sure they governor men and women to me would be like handing the streets of the taxicab industry when uber and lyft are here. The faa has extensive engagement with communities. When new airline routes are planned that could bring higher level of noise over the neighborhoodded and we heard hat all tee them. Right now thank you public can go to congress if the faa is unresponsive. But the corporation would have no such obligation when they create new routes, when they chang the frequency of the change the frequency of the routes. This goes to the health, home values, basic quality of life. So, how do we address this issue with a board that has no direct public accountability . None whatsoever. So, i have other concerns and well talk about those at a future time. I just want to start that conversation. Well have many more, but to just throw some of the issues that are concerning to me. So, i would like to ask a couple of questions i dont have time a lot of type would the traveling public have any say on new feed charts, new fees charged by this new intent . I dont know i know its early staged but dont know if its fair right now but any idea about that . Would the public have say or input into new fees . The public would have the same recourse to appeal to their congress men and to their senators just like they do now. That part will still be the same. What were seeing enough is a very congested air separate. Our air sprays is the safe nest the world but delay cozy congestion plague the air and with increased traffic, new entrants like drones and Unmanned Aircraft having to be integrated into the National Air Space we need to upgrade the technology to ensure that new entrants and that there is a system that can respond to all this new traffic and congestion and delays. This is not a new idea. It has been proposed decades ago by the clinton administration. What were trying to do is so bring the faa bring the air Traffic Control system to be able to have the latest technology with which to manage the air space. So, for noise, for example, noise would still remain at the faa. So what we are doing is actually addressing one of the major issue which has been longstanding, a conflict of interest of the air Traffic Control system regulating its ensafety. Were separating that out. There will be a safety component which stays with faa. Air traffic will be independent and separate, and on noise, that citied with faa. So citizen the new ayre air Traffic Control system has to respond to the same regulations, noise regulations, and if people are unsatisfied, they would have the same recourse. They become their congressmen and senators. Madam secretary, try to keep myself on time as well but well continue this conversation. Mr. Price. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Madam secretary, i want to first ask for your assurance on a matter that includes the entire appropriations process, and it has to do with the report that the white house has ordered agencies to ignore democratic oversight requests. The administration seems to be saying that democratic oversight has no legitimacy, that oversight is the prerogative of the majority party. Thats a new level of partisanship thats unprecedented, unacceptable, will only worsen gridlock in washington. I whats your policy . Whats the policy at your department id be more than glad to let me ask you a couple of related questions. What your policy in your department . To there is any policy or guidance you know of that would prohibit or delay responses to Ranking Members of congressional committees or subcommittees . There is any poll sir or guidance what to prohibit or delay responsed to democratic members of congress and if such policies are in place to inhit or delay responses to Ranking Members or other democratic members was that developed in consultation with the white house or omb . There are lot of questions. Let me say first of all, it has always been my policy to work on a bipartisan si sis with members of congress. Having said that i think its worthwhile clarifying that in the past administerings as well, the executive branch is longstanding policy has always been to work with the majority and that i will wrote from a doj opinion the executive branchs land stanging pal so i as to gauge in a standing progress for accommodating congressional requests for information only when those requests from from a committee, subcommittee or chairman authorized conduct oversight. This opinion also says with regard to responding to requests from individual members who are not Committee Chairs, the executive branch has historically, historically, exercised its discretion in determining whether and how to respond following a general policy of providing only documents and information that are already public or would be available to the public through the freedom of information act. So, in terms of requests from members who are not Committee Chairs, regardless of party, the doj opinion makes clear in the final paragraph that the response depending on the circumstances. So, im reading obviously from the recent opinion that has been made public. Probably puts into writing what has always been the established precedent. Im not here to anger anybody, and i will say that from my point of view to the extent i can it is my intent to work fully on a bipartisan basis with both sides of the aisle. That statement of intent you just appended to the other things you said is the kind of assurance that ive gotten and other ranging members have gotten in asking your counterparts across government. So for you to revert to some kind of supposed precedent that the theres some kind of unique channel to the chairs of the who represent the majority party, that the way i asked the question represent mist history understanding and my experience in newman how studies and numerous administrationed. Never heard what you articulated made explicit or for that matter, as just just doesnt reflect my experience, and so there is something new here, and what is your assurance mean . You say where possible you will respond. What kind of well, mr. Chairman, i do not want to get into an argument and im not being disrespectful but i have been in the federal government before in the executive branch and this hasp been the precedent before. Having said that, there are circumstances i can say to you i will work with both sides of the aisle to the best that i can, and there will be some issues on oversight that it must come from the majority, whether democratic or republican. Thats been a longstanding process and ive been in the executive branch when the majority is the democratic feet thats not my issue and the issue that are the daytoday grist for the mill here. Airport nice, the kind of bury crack and a half fuze that bury crack nephews that develop we have so many things to we walk that. The issue is overnight. This is not a blanket of answer of not answering requests. Its an issue specifically related to oversight. So we of course will help members on both sided of the aisle with Technical Assistance, information, constituent services. With my record were always very responsive. This case recovery refers to overnight. Oversight is about oversight of executive performance, agency performance. The Appropriations Committee is the epit me of congressional oversight, and it has historically been nonpartisan. Bipartisan. That the administration is called to account no matter who the president is no matter what the Party Division is. The administration is called to account by this committee. That is the american system, the power thief purse. The notion that would besiegemented not only my mind, sir. Looks like its in the we have received. Yes, thats right, and i its become. You have made it much more explicit than other secretaries have and we certainly will need to explore this further. Thank you, mr. Price. Member culberson. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Secretary chao, appreciate your service to the country and i can confirm that is indeed been the policy under president obama when he was first elected and the four years when the democrats were in the majority here, the administration followed that exact same policy you just read. So youre exactly right. Of course we all Work Together. We all Work Together very well and any oversight or concern that they majority have i know our chairman would work with him to make sure the appropriate oversight is conducted. Want to focus on a superb speech that President Trump gave at the department of transportation where he on it pi pointed it took fouriled to build in the golden gait bridge and five years to build the hoover dame but today it can take win year tuesday far nor build a major Infrastructure Project and highway permitting includes 16 different approves including ten different federal agencies being government i by 26 different statutes. And in case of an 18 mile road in maryland that ha tote get beautiful and permitting, spend 29 million for an environment report weighing 75pounds and costing 24,000 per page. President trump said in the speech issue was not elected to continue a failed system. Was elected to change it. All of news Government Service were elected to solve the problems that have mug mugged or nation. Its time to Start Building our country were here to take action. He is absolutely right. Im tremendously proud of the bold and agenda he has taken to cut through all the red tape when it comes to transportation and i want to ask specifically, much of this lies within your authority. Can you talk to us about what you have done and can do with the authority you already have as secretary to combine the permitting process to make shire theyre parallel to pressure what the president asked and this committee is better equipped to help the president achieve his agenda with our authority over the power of the purse. That as James Madison said is the most powerful check and balance on the executive branch. What have you done to speed up the permitting process and what can the chairman and this subcommittee, working arm in arm in a bipartisan way do to help simplify the permitting process for the critically needed. The administration issued an executive order very early in the administration coming on board, and this executive order takes a look at the regulatory aspects that delay infrastructure to set up a council yes,. To examine the process and come up with a report and recommendations. Right, it talks about ways in which permitting can be permitting process can be streamlined if there are sequential processes whether they can be made to occur concurrently, if there are duplicative regulatoriy processes, whether that can be collapsed or consolidated. And this is also an effort throughout the government so in the Infrastructure Task force, there are about 16 different agencies, federal agencies, and so the department of transportation is also working with epa, and with department of defense, army corps of engineers, with the fish and wildlife, and many other departments in an effort to see how we can work Better Together to facilitate and speed along these Infrastructure Projects. Youre right. Does need to be carefully canada but the president is right he was elected to think big, act boldly. What can we done to speed that up . We have hat commissions to study thingsout have the authority cut through the red tape and create pear mill permitting parallel permitting and no committee in congress is better equipped than the Appropriations Committee to support you in that effort. The chairmans got your back. What can we do to speed that up and act quickly and boldly. The president made it very clear he would like to reduce the infrastructure regulatory process from ten years to two years, and he is very results oriented and were looking at that. I look forward work with you on. That the chairman is as well, and mr. Price, and please come to us with specific suggestions so we can help that process along as quickly as possible. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Were honored to have the Ranking Member of the full committee you have been running behind between hears miss lowey. Eh we have expense hearing, epa hearing and i have the privilege and pleasure are attending them all. Madam secretary, we have had the opportunity to meet before, and i congratulate you on taking this position, but i am truly shocked with the report i just received while i was in another committee. I understand there was a question from mr. Price that you have referred to the department of justice guidelines about responding to oversight requests in and that you stated you will respond to Committee Chairs and work with the minority when possible . Ive u ive nope you a long time and been in this congress for 28 years. I cannot believe that this i true. Does this mean, if i have a request and i send you a substantive request, you may or may not or your department may or may not responsibility . You couldnt have said that. I have always worked across the aisle, and i want to reassure the members on the dais that i will always work with the committee and if there are specific incidents, come to me and id be tabla to workive you. Youre saying you said to the committee but you would respond to my request as Ranking Member of the minority as well as you could to our distinguished chair, which, frankly, with champ i work very closely and i have enormous respect, and i just want to make this clear that on appropriations we all says there are democrats, republicans republicans and appropriators. Just want to hear you say youll respond to questions whether youre a democrat or republican. Dont have to agree with me but i think arch e each one of us, democrats, republicans, deserve a response. I will try my best but i will try my best. I take that as yesterday i dont understand when you say youll try your best. I will try my belles but you know me. I do. My history just say, yes, of course ill respond to you. I cant quite say that. Thats leaves the question, madam secretary so think about it while i ask another question because im really surprised that you wouldnt say, of course, congresswoman, you know me. Ill respond whether its a democrat or a republican. One more chance. Its always been my history, ive always doesnt it that way. Its always been but there is precedent that if the administration has oversight if the administration does have the previous practice of conducting answers to certain oversight questions in a certain way. Let me just say this and ill get ton another substantive question because the chairman is being very generous with me. You dont have to agree with me or my distinguished colleagues, and we can have healthy debates because that is what congress is all about, but i am really shocked that you wouldnt just say, of course i respond whether its a democrat or a republican or a citizen. So, ill go on to the next question. I would like to follow up on mr. Prices infrastructure plan question. Im concerned that the president s plan lacks actual funding, and instead would put a burden on state and local taxpayers to pay for those programs. This would be particularly catastrophic in a state like new york which gives more in federal tax dollars than it receives in from the federal government. You remember hearing that from senator moynihan who documented that years ago. If new york is getting less in tax dollars and giving more, already pays some of the highest taxes in the country, it would be unfair in my judgment, to force new yorkers to pay for even more, particularly when many infrastructure developments and economic gains in the new york benefit the economy of the entire nations. Do you have more details about how President Trump plans to pay for his infrastructure plan and how will you ensure that this infrastructure plan doesnt force states and localities to raise taxes to pay for federally directed projects. The president has always emphasized the need for new infrastructure, and he has talked about a trillion dollars, 200 billion of that would be direct government funding, some of the moneys will come from sale of public assets, and then the remainder will be a combination of partnerships and cooperations between the and can the private sector, and through leveraging up, through use of the federal dollars which is like the c capital that will allow more innovative, more creative financing, and that leveraging through Public Private partnership is actually very often seen. Right now we have certain state that dont allow the private sector to fund Public Infrastructure. So we want to be able to let the private sector come in and if they want to, fund Public Sector Infrastructure Projects, and if there are ways in which they can participate that will help alleviate the burden on taxpayers, i think thats something we should welcome. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your generosity of time. Ill just conclude by saying im a strong supporter of Publicprivate Partnerships but strongly opposed to a proposal when President Trump has emphasized infrastructure, and without help from the federal government for the new bridge going up and without redevelopment of the La Guardia Airport and kennedy airport, a lot of these infrastructure programs create real jobs, and if the private sector wants to contribute that is great but i know, you know, the town of harrison, and i know that my constituents would be very upset if their taxes are going up to pay for responsibilities of the federal government. Just doesnt make stones me. Id like doesnt mange sense to me. Id like to continue this discussion because most people today who responded to President Trump were people who said, im tired of paying taxes that keep going up and up, and President Trump was their forceful about infrastructure, creating jobs, so i dont think they knew when they responded to his comments theyre going to pay for those infrastructure going pay either way. If its a trillion dollars in direct government funding thats taxes. Thats taxes but its the federal responsibility and when you see all these cuts that we have in the domestic side of the budget, theres a real concern. Which is why need private sector be involved so we can leverage their input and participation. Im delight have the private sector involved but i dont want frankly the responsibility authorize these major infrastructure programs that the president talked about and how he was going to create jobs, fall on the tax base of our local citizens. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman, for your generosity. Thank you. Ill ask the members obviously the Ranking Member of the full committee is always going to have some leeway. But i will ask the members now to please adhere as much as possible to the five minute rule. Thank you again. [inaudible] thank you, madam. Mr. Young. Thank you, mr. Have to be at built less lenient than we were with the chairman and Ranking Member. You just took five second you can have those. We have not started the clock yet. Thats right. For being so nice ill give you five minutes and five second. Woo. Thank you. Secretary chao, thank you fog being here today and thank you for your past Public Service and other departments and what youre doing today. Always admired you bipartisan approach, fair approach to your role in leadership and administrations so thank you for that. I want to ask about talk about infrastructure. You talked about in your statement you say our transportation frustration infrastructure is aging and we can all agree to that. We need a focused approach to address the problem. Think we also need other focused approach to address new advancements in transportation, new technologies, new vehicles, when it comes to taking a look at what an infrastructure looks like when you have Autonomous Vehicles, when you have Artificial Intelligence should we be looking at a different approach or different way to ensure that the next transportation grid is ready to go for the 22nd century and not be snuck an stuck in an an local approach in the past . Too we need different surfaces and distract, need censor, will all the vehicles be talking to each other . I want to make sure were all thinking about this in the new century. The future is here. How do you see these new technologies influencing an infrastructure package . That is all being examined and reviews in various aspects of the transportation infrastructure proposal. The frustration proposal does not just have transportation. It includes other departments, other areas, for example, energy, water, veterans affairs, and to possibly broadband. That has yet to be determined. What you say about Autonomous Vehicles, on the ground and in the air, is partly a reason why the air Traffic Control system is being determined in the need to be kept abreast of state stae stateoftheart technology and on the roads thinking about how to accommodate the concerns with Autonomous Vehicles on the ground in terms of traffic and also in terms of safety, security, and privacy. So, all those issues are part of the National Dialogue that needs to occur as we talk about the Infrastructure Project, proposal. Actually possibly three different phases, meaning shortterm, mediumterm, and longterm. The shortterm is a trillion dollars over ten years cannot be funded as our friends on the other side of the aisle would like by direct federal funding that would create a tremendous adverse impact on the deficit and also create havoc, introduce potential havoc with the private sector markets with such a large injection of federal funding. So, there are states that do prohibit Publicprivate Partnershipped. While that is not the only solution, Publicprivate Partnerships should not be discriminated against and the private sector, if capable, should be allowed to invex in Public Infrastructure. So thats going on and theres a shortterm and a longterm consideration of all issues. We have had some very interesting hearings already with the private sector on the new technologies,athon mouse vehicles athon mouse vehicles and what it mean. The department and this committee need to keep being engaged on the issue and moe importantly for us and for you, and your department its imperative we engage the private sector. The Highway Trust Fund has not been selfsustaining since 2007. Because of advance. Inside technologies, innovation, with new vehicles out there, new fuels and ways to power vehicles, how do we ensure those using oroads and bridges are paying their fair share. Pay to play on our roads and are not getting away with not contributing to making sure that we have an up to date Transportation Infrastructure Program for our roads and brims because there would be disparity because more and more with technology youll have people out there not paying into the Highway Trust Fund but are doing there system. But the longstanding problem of the trust fund has been resolved through 2020 but we have to prepare for fiscal year 19 budget that will be coming up this summer as the talk about private infrastructure to underscore your point with vehicle miles being a the formula for the gasoline tax is not sustainable so we have to take a look at it. We have not yet made any decisions or conclusions or agreement among ourselves how to do that yet. But nothing is off the table madam secretary thinks for being here today. I take if you talk about that easy aging infrastructure in the urban areas is 85 billion state of disrepair the Chicago Transit Authority carries more people than amtrak nationwide in one month. And be confined a state of good repair their in the numbers are staggering. This is not conducive to Publicprivate Partnerships i am all for those but to say we have a whole new idea it is extraordinarily limited with where people are going millenials are not buying cars. Theyre doing right shares or riding bikes and thank god using Public Transportation but i have an antiquated 100 yearold ricky Transit System that carries more people all the time. In this budget that Capital Investment grants are cut in half so what do we say we have a bold new ideas to transgendered people like we did 50 years ago . Where is the boldness how does this Publicprivate Partnership worked and how can you assure they will rebuild or provide positive train control in all light rail systems and with United States as a whole . Infrastructure proposal will address Core Principles one is due target the most transformative projects number two to encourage states and localities to take their own action and to streamline regulation number three is to tap into private sector capital and management that is san for is to align infrastructure with the entity that is better suited for operation and maintenance. They will have lot of save how this is spent. The Chicago Transit Authority is not worried about permits for go there now or about the state getting in their way. There were about the ever increasing demand and the fact that Publicprivate Partnerships will not help them of all. Some of this just takes federal dollars. You have outlined for things that will do absolutely nothing for those entities and take away half of the funding and i will tell you that these are democrats and republicans on the metro trains that comes to chicago these are all people who right now these entities that need resources at some point you have to rebuild track or repurchase the Rolling Stock and they dont have that. Nationally the backlog on repairs is extraordinary. Said to outline for things that will help the private sector entities or states moving forward with permits means almost nothing to them with their most vital need. Approximately. 84 of transportation dollars come from state and local not saying that we will not participate but under the proposal the states and localities will have great freedom and flexibility. If you put more money into a 1 trillion infrastructure package, you just took hathaway of the funding from the direct Grant Program you have done nothing. Right now you have cut them in half. This is absolutely vital so now you say we have a 1 trillion package you just took from one spigot putting into another even assuming that you do that. Obviously we disagree with some of the prairies and missions and purposes. So you take money from manse mass transit to put it where . That is in the details which is coming down in the proposal in the fall this year. You have to have some inclination you have given the lead you dont care as much about Public Transportation. I did not say that. You cut in half so it cannot be a priority. It will be we shifted and repackaged and read purposed in the infrastructure proposal the details have not come now. And reduce and that . That decision has not been made yet. Thank you. Were also thrilled to have chairman rogers he gave me his chairmanship originally youre happy im chairman fake him if not then he is to blame. Mr. Chairman i apologize. [laughter] youre doing a great job and what i had the wisdom to a lead you to this po. Madam secretary good to see welcome it is good to see you outside of kentucky although we love you back there as well off course infrastructure is the name of the game this year were all tired of driving on chuckled streets or bridges that are falling in the waterways that are not traversed properly so we share your in tuesday as some for doing Something Big on Infrastructure Improvements. But i notice on page two of your statement where you list the key elements are the key principles of the infrastructure plan to of all 13 departments and agencies the firstday list is the moneys would be spent on the most transformative projects. What does that mean . Bidding the president like something that is bold and innovative and something speak to the future to address the concerns of the future having said that i a understand your question and youre concerned about Rural America and as you know, i come from a state the is very rural so i am concerned about access or writer ship or the ability of Rural America to be part of the American Dream as well. There will be a separate title to the infrastructure proposal to address Rural America and the dollar amount has not yet been decided but we are very cognizant of the needs of Rural America. Where is the center of the effort to finance how to structure those Infrastructure Improvements wheres that going on . How will this be paid for is that what you asked . Yes in whose studies that portion of the problem. The white house, all of us and prior to your arrival we talked about various different ways that there is of a plethora of ways very 17 commonly discussed ways to pay for infrastructure but as of yet no decision or should say no agreement has coalesced none of the pavement forms are ideal. At this point suffice it to say nothing is off the table and there are about 16 different Government Agencies around the Infrastructure Task force that is grappling how to pay for all of this. Given the financial such a region of the country and states and localities, it is plain the money has to come from somewhere else. Such as the private sector. Do you agree . Yes. But in an effort to be bipartisan 90 stand with our friends on deicide are one of the percentage of federal funding of 1 trillion in a said unfortunately that would increase the deficit and also create havoc within the private market because there be such a large private to large presence of federal dollars of the president is looking at 200 million of direct federal funding of infrastructure as seed money and then selling off some public assets and then using the federal about to partner with the private sector with creative and innovative Publicprivate Partnerships as we have seen in the past. Yes. There are examples such as indiana they sold the toll road for billions of dollars and then used the proceeds to build the roads are around the rest of the state. Is that a possibility . Toll roads certainly are the increasingly popular way to finance infrastructure. But i am also cognizant, trustee in both sides some people may not like that but it is ineffective way to finance. All of us dont like it but some of us may tolerate those. But i am talking about the selling of the assets and i assume the buyer of the highway would be to enact tolls to pay off the purchase price. Actually this is a big issue if we sell off public assets and actually there is a discussion going on about selling Public Infrastructure to foreign interests and there is sentiment that that is not desirable. So were thinking of leasing or buying back gore one of many ideas how we could finance this. Good luck. We are delighted by your appointment we want to think chairman rogers. [laughter] and also madam secretary to be here with us today and also for your commitment on the green line extension in massachusetts to be in boston recently a lot of hard work has gone into the project and would not have been possible without the assistance of your department. Thank you for that and i was really struck by your comments earlier in response to the Ranking Member especially today, the day after such horrifying events with attacks on our colleagues yesterday. I want to be sure i a understand what you are saying. There is a letter of counsel to the president on may 1st, 2017 is that the opinion your siding citing . I am not trying to injure anybody especially after what happened yesterday but this is the established precedent and i should not be given credit for that. Been a precedent or not there is a line that says it is established but individual members of congress including ranking minority members do not have the authority to conduct oversight in the absence of a specific delegation by a full House Committee or subcommittee. Is that your understanding . That is always the case with every executivebranch. I am committed to working with you. But i want to know if that is your understanding that individual members do not have any authority. That has always been the precedent. That is sure understanding of the department of transportation this is the president from previous administrations. You are the secretary and that is your distending of policy . Yes. Throughout. The executive branch has always been that way. I will move on to rule positive trade control which is a big issue that states like massachusetts and those across the country to authorize 199 million from the mass transit account to create a grand program. But were trying to meet that deadline for implementation in have been the financing for the installation but might understanding of the application has not yet been fully implemented as a result you have to complete to a different applications so can you give us an update on how this implementation is going and if there is progress to streamline this progress process . Can speculate but let me do my Due Diligence to get you the specific information. That would be helpful because it has become a redundant application process that is causing problems but on the state maritime that is vibrant to the merchant marines that are key to National Security these rely on the ships to fulfill their Education Mission the empire state at empire colleges 56 years old its lifetime is expected to win 2019 that the Massachusetts Maritime Academy is 51 years old and is estimated to end and 2025. The 2017 directive to complete the design i am hoping you can tell me how that Multi Mission vessel is the progress of the replacement of the ships . Mass maritime are too great Maritime Academies and universities they graduate Outstanding Young men and women every year. These two ships are the oldest and they need to be replaced at some point. Unfortunately it is an issue of cost one ship costs 300 million all of the Maritime Academies are over 1 billion of direct outlay so we are looking at this issue i just recently spoke with the mass maritime president and also the new york maritime president this is an issue that has to be addressed perhaps one way to find renovated vessels with wafers because theyre not United States built but that would only be 150 million her ship so were looking at ways to address the problem. Madam secretary thanks for your time today last month the department of transportation approved 647 million of federal grants for range during the last days of the previous administration. Equipment will be used by the state from losses angeles twos and the cisco and requires that the state match will come from proposition 18 approved by voters by the highspeed rail project it is challenged in court if they do not become available what happens to the federal grant with highspeed rail that is very unlikely to secure private funding you have any confidence we can match this Going Forward . It is of concern that caltrans needs to consider very carefully the timing of this particular contract was very sensitive and signed off january 17, 20173 days before the end of the previous administration. However, there is a process disputes or rebuttal sort challenges can occur and when the omnibus inserted 170 million in pay cuts for full Funding Agreement and the department does signed it so has the funding of 2017 for future years. How you plan on holding them accountable to make sure they are properly accounted for and spent so that the Lord Authority has face scrutiny all members of the delegation signed a letter to give us some background after the audit so prior to the approval of 14 members sent a letter regarding high real also the project cost increase with the failure to secure state and private funding the request was to block any pending federal funding and tell they complete the audit of the project and finances and be made public. Was that too difficult . I am very much aware of the letter and we try very hard to work with both sides to come to resolution but when that omnibus bill came through with the full consent of both houses of congress we had no choice it was 170 million and had to proceed Going Forward. But your office was plan on sending more. Maybe if there were future appropriations approved by congress of course, i have to send it. Been there is a natural process of monitoring that goes on with these projects and there will be monitoring of the project. Californians receive 355 billion of federal funding from the federal Railroad Administration for highspeed rail with those headlines established by the grand and then forced to forfeit money back to the federal government some my concern is they will use that grant money as a slush Fund Spending on frivolous projects outside of the highspeed rail so do you require detailed reports how they spend those federal dollars and do you have proper oversight where there spent . I do purport have only been there for months but what i have seen it is a very professional organization and they are monitoring how funds are spent. This is really a matter before congress. Were mandated what comes from congress so that money was mandated and it needed to go out. Just to followup there was a difference of opinion as you mentioned on that caltrans issue i know personally hearing from Business Leaders in california who were concerned he talked about making sure the government had seized capitol as a priority to spur investment so highspeed investment and caltrans is not fair it is already operating it already has planned investment in bidding electrification is helpful for the environment to push more commuters through that transit those which should be our responsibility to help so i appreciate that consideration your agency put forward to make that award. We were awarded in 8 million tiger grant to connect the popular Transit Center and terminates the local university in between the to our job centers and a Health Care Facility to create thousands of jobs connecting lowincome residents with affordable transit routes. I a her your comments about tiger previously been given the benefits previously, what did the dot used to rely to decide the elimination or phasing out of this program would be beneficial to the National Infrastructure system . What data was used . The purpose there was a basic philosophical disagreement if money is like that should be specifically earmarked but having said that it is the role of congress a you have every flexibility and way to restore in the way that you would like this is a new administration. Are you saying tiger Grant Funding was earmarked . It was like that. I am new to the committee i defer to the Ranking Member and chairman for those who helped craft a the language during a prior congress but clearly there are provisions against that that i would take issue with that characterization but i will say that in creating programs is exactly our role here in Congress None of us to my knowledge inserted any language. You are righted is competitively bid and the administration is responsible to decide. Actually we prefer that it is done with the money is available rather than have them decide for a specific purpose. But i am willing to work with you this is a positive Program Members of Congress Like it. So you disagree with the funding were taking issue with it but you are creating something that will rollout in the fall that would have hundreds of billions of dollars of projects that is up to the administration to suggest . Not at all. We have yet to unveil our proposal that is not to say distributions will not occur one way and or another but it is under advisement and discussion. Back to the common john seed capital as you mentioned in your transportation and documented fact sheet there is so much investment broker yet local level they have taxed themselves to build Infrastructure Projects i allocated those funds. So how do you differentiate the seed capital for some capital on projects but tiger and other you dont that is helpful to the creation of jobs and the movement of goods and bodies . The tiger grants and know theyre very popular but they were created as a separate decide pool of funds. Then it would make much more sense if they ever put together in a larger pool to be available to the states to be used as they see fit. Good afternoon madam secretary thinks for being here today. I have heard from a number of constituents were worried about the metropolitan planning organizations i appreciate their planning but it is important we do not continue down a path so can you shed any light if there could be some push to alter the range of authority . We have heard from a number of members in the senate and the house and i think we have rescinded all of that and i will check, up for you. Good news. Yes. Moving right along, the subcommittee recently met with field experts including Autonomous Vehicles they have extreme potential to make the road racier and want to make sure were doing everything we can to support the widespread use the Transportation Research Center Located in ohio they have initiated under ground installation of 35 miles of fiberoptic cable to help provide researchers with the data to develop Autonomous Vehicles that our compatible with their use i believe the book by state is uniquely positioned to rapidly deploy these technologies. So do you see these were how this committee can help them carry out the work to the state deployment of Autonomous Vehicles . The last Administration Prior to its departure had issued like a Good Housekeeping seal so were in the process of looking at all of the but from those major automotive manufacturers and other entrepreneurial entities that deal with Autonomous Vehicles is going to australia and other countries where there is much less regulations that govern where they test for how they test and under what circumstances. I dont think this the issue which dave gets those grounds but how do you make United States more open while respecting the of regulations that we have but how to remake it more welcoming of these technologies because American Companies go overseas to test the product. I agree in with those efforts to keep them here here in ohio. You have one particular that would not make it. Actually went there to visit. And i mention that in my notes and we are very happy that its review of this that you take that into consideration you are ohio that they have these brothers named right that created flight and a guy named john glenn who flew around the world even Neil Armstrong we like to be all front with these technologies and we appreciate you looking at this we dont want to lose business to australia. Will bring that up again. That afternoon i represent a large portion of pennsylvania and in recent years we have seen a group of freight Traffic Operations includes rail and a transportation and this trend is continue to continue and grow even more part of the growth is of a result of increased online commerce with Customer Expectations about the speed of delivery and this kind of growth presents an economic and Employment Opportunity to keep pace with these types of development and as the Transportation System assumes the growing role to support congress to address those needs with the roads and bridges and railway specifically that see increase trade activity. We forget that sometimes when it is very important it is the vitality of our country. Part of the infrastructure proposal considers consideration of freight Passenger Rail with the Freight Lines and intermodal the efficiencies that our desirable to facilitate the Rapid Movement of freight. We are very much aware of those i can say too much about specifics but freights is a very big concern. How will we pay for this package i understand the Publicprivate Partnership but adorable in sustainable Revenue Source is important but depending on tax reform if we define that durable and sustainable source. Given the beginning part of discussion internally there was discussion to have this or a portion of tax reform. In to be involved with the infrastructure it seems that discussion has ebbed or maybe reseeded may come back again but as of right now that will not be part of the funding of infrastructure but that may change. The second issue was . Everything is still on the table like the user fees and the gasoline taxes obviously that is a quarrelsome issue so what i can say is nothing is off the table. Final question as we consider the infrastructure package with those new technologies that will benefit americans that is the uh Hydrogen Fuel cells as a clean alternative to power such as you may know a number of states adopted standards from the Auto Industry and as cochair window of the fuel cell vehicles are Just One Technology option. So how oh is your Department Working with the industry to remove barriers of hydrogen in infrastructure . We are looking at all technologies in the basic principle we want to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship this is a new area we are looking at we just got into office a we dont have a conclusion but were looking at it stannic is a lot of interest i am thinking maybe another round of question and answer. We have multiple hearings regarding the next gen programs and there has been some Great Success with the private sector with their development or other revenue programs those are issues that they think better looking like a good success id like feedback but i dont think we have time to dave but talk about the next Gen Advisory Committee with a publicprivate Community Deal think that body is effective to guide airtraffic investments in the future . It is an advisory committee. I have met individual members but not with the committee in total yet. It is about 35 members they meet three times per year. They do offer Technical Assistance those that are a part of the Aviation Industry i think it is always good to get a diversity and variety of opinions and advice. And dont know if you had the opportunity to meet those stakeholders if that is inappropriate list represented have you looked at that yet . I have a list i always think it is a helpful to have a broad representation of the stakeholder groups whenever possible. There are ways we can improve the effectiveness and i would like to be in touch with you. Of course,. I dont say this enough but we want to work with the committee and congress and were very open. You have a history of doing that so thank you for saying that but more importantly that is right thing were thrilled you excepted to do this to once again serve here. Have you been able to see the benefits of the automatic or automated dependent surveillance broadcast . Farha those benefits . Mcfadyen day sac success of the whole next to an effort. I commend faa and the men and women at the faa who are doing a tremendous job against difficult circumstances. They have been able to maintain the system through the air Traffic Control despite the challenging circumstances as good as it is not because of the current structure but in spite of it that says a lot of the men and women who work there but we want to do better and we will disagree that. We will work through these issues. Increased traffic and congestion that project we are talking radar and within 12 seconds in airplane travels 1 miles of we need to be in the system not still tied to the 1960 technology of using radar we have that technology now and there are many other examples where we urological of vintages that our available to us that we are still not quite up to speed and we need to improve on that. This is a conversation we will have but that the u. S. Has deployed the adsb technology it is and that it isnt available but the airlines will not equip itself so those are conversations i look forward to having with few. I have an answer for that [laughter] madam secretary a lot to get closure on your earlier conversation to say the reason that you took a setback is that your answer departs from what i have personally heard from other cabinet secretaries about this matter in my a personal case and secondly it is not a question of your good will we dont doubt that the question is a matter of policy and the obligation anyone in your position has to respond to oversight increase from to the elected members of congress in the committee charged with finding to oversee your department. Soil alaska about Capital Investment your budget request up since federal support specifically the budget would cut off federal funding for new transit projects and those in the pipeline so want to ask about that in particular i applaud you for advancing projects like this going into project the relevant will you continue to move them through the pipeline . And what about small starets . Fiscal 2017 omnibus provided funding for 10 small starts what about those grant agreements and award those funds . Edits a more complicated question which i dont think you will appreciate but the current guidelines of the administration is that the small starts, that there is not funding that i cannot sign the agreement in effect not sign the full Funding Agreement that there is no full funding right now i cannot sign it. There are some that dont now duffel increment the through the fiscal 17 there is none. Correct if youre on the list you will get funding if youre not to then you will want boat. Can you tell us about the pipeline Going Forward . The administration does not support new starts. On what basis were the others advance to . From there or be defined as such. Moving into project development and engineering that is a process that is ongoing. Well then stop . These cities will now have to consider what they want to do. If they dont have the funding beyond 2017 what will they do . That is a question they could go to public cry of partnership or other sources of funding. You have no answer . You want to move them into the early phases. This is pretty clear if he were on the list you can be assured of some certainty if not you probably will not be funded so it is pretty clear that alternative plans have to be made. But there are projects. Lets discuss this offline. Madam secretary the livestock bin my a district as a challenging task to balance the safety of motorists in the health and wellness of the animals being transported the electronic blogging device enforcement date to existing hours of service does not adequately accommodate the trucking industry. Industry members have expressed the need for delayed implementation with concerns to have sufficient training and compliance with enforcement although motor safety is a top priority so is the welfare of the animals so what do you recommend for the Animal Welfare and safety . I am sad to hear that of course, you want to protect our pets and livestock. I will look into that i dont have the answer for that. Can we distinguish between the time the truck may be running but not yet on the road for livestock callers this also includes a loading location spent waiting so in the future would you be willing to work with the livestock industry to provide better exemptions or flexibility for the hours of service rule . I am not familiar with this guy look forward to working with you and your constituents. I appreciate that. I am under my time limit. [laughter] to the air was so is proud of how we stick to the time when the. That secretary id like to return to the Maritime Academies we talked about their essentials role for the capacity but there have been troubling recent reports of Sexual Misconduct with the Merchant Marine Academy is that allege a cost dial culture with the unwanted sexual the chances of harassment and assault have caused the Academy Suits to suspend its program so how will your department handle these allegations . And how is your budget going to ensure the safety of female midshipman during their year its the where most of these incidents occur . I am obviously very concerned about these issues as are my colleagues so we are investigating this and the dollar monday specifically mentioned has been increased from 380,000 for education and advocacy and counseling to almost 1 million. Were very concerned about this issue and we need to do something about it because it is connected to the accreditation issues. We had the Inspector General several weeks ago talking about this issue reworking closely with them on this issue . Yes. And i say yes because he has the lead and he will give recommendations and we will see but we are very concerned we would love to work with you as well. As a member of the committee one area of responsibility is to make sure the funds are invested wisely in i know that you share our concern about that issue in one of the ways some agencies have sought to utilize technology is by using gaeas spatial Analysis Technology and fema has used that technology would be beneficial to a ploy that with a realtime in view of where we are with the transportation infrastructure system that dot is funding nor where they are in the process or what stage door is that completed . Are you open to looking at how we use technology in the department to advance priorities to make sure the American Public similar in a tracking fashion what projects are awarded, is there more that we can do . Very interesting. I dont know. That is interesting concept stick with your reluctance to support a. It is transparency and allows them to know what is going on. And congress is asked to prioritize the budget in there is spending within f y 17 and 18 with planning and development but is wanted to know your thoughts how we do a better job to manage those projects with their realtime analysis of where we invest our funds. Realtime analysis is key because the Transportation Department has a good handle on monitoring funds or how they are used whether it is the purpose they were intended so we have a good Monitoring System in media need to monitor the realtime. I would like to hear more about that. And i think your ability of oversight is fine. And to share the American Public. If you have ideas. I appreciate your ideas. Thank you, mr. Chairman that question i asked to begin with bill for 96 the president signed i was talking more about the expansion act with ioc that addressed that theyre going into neighborhoods to tell communities how they should grow forward can readdress that with you offline . Of course lets talk about that. Madam secretary things to you and your staff for your participation in this afternoon the committee will be in contact with your Budget Office for the record i know we will have other questions to be submitted. Please work to return the information for the record within 30 days by tomorrow than we can publish the transcript and make informed decisions for the fiscal year 2018 bill. I would be remiss you are a well known entity in your reputation is always one of responsiveness and accessibility i want to tie you that is the case you are responsive to our request and accessible to still the does not remain a notice we appreciate your willingness to work with us in with afford to a close working relationship. We have to work closely were thrilled because you demonstrated already you remain accessible and responsible as anybody so thank you for your service to continue working with you. Also thanks for your discussion with us this morning we will have further questions for the record but i join the chairman in gratitude for your parents and to work on these transportation issues youre leading a department at the forefront of our countrys economic wellbeing for request for new and better jobs with a history of relatively bipartisan support in congress and those stakeholders that you work with will be very important Going Forward in divisive times to find some way to invest in the countrys transportation future. Thank you so much. Thanks for the opportunity i want to reinforce again i have been at this department before it was always bipartisan that is the spirit with which i perceive them accord to working with all members of the committee. We are gerund adjourned. [inaudible conversations] sunday, on q a he is veryy deeply committed to presenting his story. Part one of our interview with david. I think that baracks political aspirations and sense of destiny lead him to push sheila aside. Was a that time, there wellknown political figure in chicago, hugely respected man, senator Dickey Newhouse who everyone believed could never go higher because he was married to a white woman. The political tradition of black chicago in the late 1980s, and the early 1990s, that for a black man to aspire , itepresent black chicago is necessary to have a black spouse. Sunday night at 8 00 p. M. Eastern on cspans q a. In his weekly address, President Trump addressed the recent shooting of House Majority whip steve scalise. He is followed by James Clyburn who talks about the same incident in the democratic address. My fellow americans, this week, our nation was shocked and horrified when a gunman opened fire on a member of congress. Five people were wounded in the assault, including a member of house leadership my good friend, steve scalise. Steve is beloved across washington, he embodies everything Public Service is about hes dedicated to his constituents, devoted to his valuan