Transcripts For CSPAN Transportation 20240703

[background noises] [background noises] [background noises] called the committee on transportation and the structure to order. I would ask an ms consent the chairman be authorized to declare a racist at any time during todays hearing. Without objection that is so ordered. As a reminder if went to answer the document to the record please also email it documents mail house. Go if you need that repeated talk to staff that got that. I would not recognize myself for the purposes of an Opening Statement. I want to think secretary buttigieg for being here today. We certainly have a lot to discuss. Thank you very much for coming in. As we near the two year mark since passing Infrastructure Investment and jobs act, my focus remains on oversight and the funding and ensuring buttons implement efficiently, effectively heres the letter of the law. Due to persistently high inflation americans continue to struggle to pay for food and clothing and gasoline. With her hard earned dollars. Companies in the transportation space. Continue to pay high prices on commodities and aggregates asphalt, concrete, diesel, you name it. The august 2023 Consumer Price e index report found all items index increased by 3. 7 . That is the highest increase in the cost of gasoline. Once again raising concerns the purchasing power is being eroded it. That is why the department and congress have to ensure that every dollar in the eye ij count directed toward project safely and efficiently to move goods and to prepare our supply chain for obviously future challenges we are going to have it. However many stakeholders have expressed concerns about the implementation followed the intent of the law. In 2023 survey of its Member Companies found amiri 5 of the companies who responded say they have worked on i ij funded projects to date and only 6 responded they successfully bid on projects for which work is yet to begin. We have to endure the regular burdens and fusion of a guidance of her removed to sufficiently administer the infrastructure programs. They have not some of the 180 billion infrastructure funding. Dot office of repeatedly offered the risks of waste and abuse with i ij funds. Responding planes were in place for every program that received funding. By the end of 2023. We look forward to receiving those assessments on time. Docs issued grant requests and rewards. As we have raised before these Grant Programs should file the intent of the law focus on projects actually improve Infrastructure Network and mobility not used guidance to accelerate projects that fit the agenda. It is clear we have work to do a managing current transportation policy and funding. Today we are going to hear about fiscal year 2024 funding request. After store transportation funding increases from i ij the cares act fiscal year 2021 consolidated appropriations act. The market rescue plan, the Inflation Reduction Act for the department 2024 budget request. A 7 increase over 2023 levels. Increases in three to percent increase for Thriving Community initiative 93 increase for the office of civil rights 29 increase for Capitol Improvement grants new funding dot ev. And frankly these requests increase seem ill advised and id unjustified after years of record spending that we have had it. Had. We are responsible for targeting infrastructure supply Chain Networks safely efficiently move people and goods. Now more than ever this administration should be focused on Real Infrastructure improvements but get out of the crisis. But that i want to sincerely want to thank the secretary for being with us today. I look forward to a very productive hearing. I think most of the fireworks are going to be down the hall. And not in here. Again this is eight worker a woe not a show committee. Now i want to recognize Ranking Member larsen for his Opening Statement to quick thank you chair for holding this hearing. I want to welcome secretary buttigieg in advance for what may be a long day to give every member of our committee the opportunity to ask questions. Give the pace with which the Department Transportation has been getting bipartisan infrastructure lamenting stands of committees we appreciate your time notably implementing and working on critical safety and if you werent here today to answer our questions today were here to highlight federal infrastructure dollars by congress and the dot are unfitting communities cleaner greener and safer more accessible Transportation Systems across the country. Last congress answered the call of states, local transit agencys railroads, airports, ports and labored other stakeholders to robustly invest in transportation infrastructure. Congress provided six or 60 billion for roads, bridges, transit rail, investment number of new initiatives far exceed handed a tall order in implementing the legislation for the first two fiscal years the department disturb everyone in 12 billion in highway funds but mostly directly to states which states then paint with state money and we get no credit for the work. But the same with 39 billion in transit funds. Nearly 10 billion in airport funds for localities but funding has gone out under more than three dozen competitive Grant Programs and more is on the way. One example plans to announce the availability of 14 billion by the end of this year. These dollars translated to projects in the ground and jobs for American Workers august administered by the dot have support over 50000 how it projects alone. According to analysis by the american road and transportation builders association. There is always one new project underway in every Congressional District in the country. Thanks to the bil as an example in my district is investing nearly 12 million in federal highway funds to rehabilitate the bridge and effort has awarded 25 million in grants to replace the 60yearold ferry. Construct a six lane bridge over interstate five which will gives congestion more accessible Transportation System for everyone there. These projects in my state and across the country means jobs. Jobs with good wages, benefits and working conditions were transportation workers. Bil means more jobs the transportation transit aviation rail and maritime sectors. Congress at its job to give the transportation secretary longterm resources it needs without these investments would be in far worse shape today. Now our job is connect fair theiroversight of implementation effort by the deity product sponsors and industry to ensure the projects are delivered quickly and effectively. In the law is implemented in line with the intent. Congress directed investments in the bil for many things including to address Climate Change and improve safety and outcomes in our transportation network. Congress failed example of states, cities, counties and tribes across the country. Working to modernize and transform the way goods move to improve outcomes for the traveling public. Her policy change on hands to execute. Especially i want to applaud Disadvantage Business Enterprises reap the benefits as well to address the spike in traffic deaths and Carbon Pollution from transportation sources. We build on the success of the bil by enacting a strong faa reauthorization. This house passed hr 30 9 30 five security growth and robust leadership of the american aviation act in july by strong bipartisan vote too. Came out of this committee 63 nothing. Bipartisan effort in good faith to secure the future of the Aviation System. It will help advance American Leadership Aviation System and innovation, strengthen workforce improve Consumer Protections and accessibility. Background break investments in sustainability and resiliency. I am sure dot is eager to see the bill enacted you can begin implementing it as well but i urge the senate to act as soon as possible so we can complete a final longterm reauthorization and communities the traveling public with the benefits. Aviations are the only mode rail incidents and accidents continue to occur around the country. Endangering people and communities. As more than 500 train accidents in this committees not yet held a real Safety Committee urge that you may take a long overdue action on real safety. We are expected to act on a Pipeline Safety authorization next week. According to the Pipeline Safety trust incidents have arisen over the past 20 years. Highlight the need for congress to enact additional Pipeline Safety measures. In the infrastructure benefits this committee continues Bipartisan Solutions for all americans thanks the leadership of chair graves sprayed the stands in contrast to the caste rate we are seeing right now. Fy 24 funding talks that is taxs threating to end in a selfinflicted Government Shutdown which i hope we can avoid but think it mr. Secretary for your steady hand and guiding us to the department and the parties congress has asked to implement and look forward to todays discussion i yield back. Thank you i ask unanimous consent of the witnesses. My be included in the record for that objection that is so ordered. So with that mr. Secretary you are recognized. Again thanks for being here. Thank you very much chairman graves and Ranking Member larsen but let me congratulate you as well take these welldeserved leadership roles since last semester before the committee. And also before starting want to take a moment to send our heartfelt condolences to a member of this committee who lost her husband after a plane crash in alaska last week. A lot of us have been in touch with our prayers are with her and the family and friends. To everybody on the Committee Want to thank you for the opportunity to testify today for for our Ongoing Partnership for the first time he came before this committee we were making the case for infrastructure package to address decades of underinvestment deal with clear risk on the roles rose rails and in our skies. Confront a pandemic that shook transportation in every way. The second year i testify here the bipartisan infrastructure law what a reality or facet work standing up new programs im preparing to muchneeded funding out the door. Today im proud to report by the administration has over 37000 Infrastructure Projects moving forward in every state and territory. Through the projects making america safer we are creating jobs addressing transportation inequities in big cities and on rural main streets. We are making our infrastructure more resilience against extreme weather while reducing transportation emissions to climate issues. Reduce prices a few recent examples. Last week i was outside of salem, south dakota were helping to repair 28 miles of i 90 which is a major freight corridor attic new Truck Parking which we consistent hear from truckers is her top party to improve the safety as well as the quality of that job. In july at the airport in pennsylvania we celebrate an expansion and new security checkpoint to provide faster easier experience for travelers, that is my first chance to be at a ribboncutting on a project with funds for the bipartisan info structure law. And a few weeks ago i was in Northern Indiana were helping to relocate a freight rail interchange thats going to improve a rail crossing that is a problem for hundreds of kids getting to high school. While sovereign goods movements for the manufacturing in that area helping to improve the safe transport of Hazardous Material that sometimes passes through the community. Individually every one of those projects is a big deal for its community. Collectively that up to a national undertaking is given the american families, workers and businesses the foundation to succeed well into the century. But i want to be clear about how much work remains on reducing roadway deaths, making our rails and skies safer prayer of strengthening Public Transit helping it to adapt to post pandemic changes and more. We keep full speed ahead to deliver good Infrastructure Projects we also seek your further partnership into critical areas. One, ensuring our Transportation Safety work can continue by preventing a Government Shutdown. Two comics living further improvements that are achievable only through legislation. Too that end they would appraise this committee for your leadership in advancing reauthorization bill that keeps the momentum for this important legislation. Making Good Progress of the authorities we currently have. For example we hit our goal for air Traffic Control with 2600 now and training. Built the airlines lower cancellation rates in the pandemic highs come to 1. 6 this year which is a blow 2019 rates. We have a wave of new rules on the way to protect passengers and fights are delayed or canceled get rid of junk for like being seated next to your kids. We are counting on an faa reauthorization bill that ultimately passes to provide additional crucial authorities and resources needed to keep our airports and committee safe. We asked congress to get to the president s desk. Made while America Needs a same bipartisan leadership you have shown on aviation when it comes to real safety. Great rail safety legislation proposed by democrats and republicans together after the derailment has yet to advance. For the safety of thousands of communities that are host to real lines we need your help getting that legislation over the finish line. Again dot is doing what we can we have proposed requiring at least two crewmembers on trains and are right now working to finalize the rule establishing minimum crew member requirements but we are conducting more than 6000 focus inspections on routes over which high with infrastructure and moderate memory and more. America is going to see a day in 1000 rabbits a year is no longer just accept it as the cost of doing business we did new authorities to better hold railroads accountable for this legislation could provide. I believe the 2020s will be known not just for the early years with the pandemic offended transportation but for the years we are entering now. Transportation gets safer, more affordable and more efficient. Tens of thousands of projects underway President Biden has begun a literally laying the foundation for that and with further partnership with congress to maintain the new momentum and ensure the transportation laws protecting americans are modernized just like the physical transportation infrastructure we all count on. Thank you again and looking for your questions. Correct thank you mr. Secretary pete we will start and i will call on mr. Crawford for a quick thank you. Thank you mr. Secretary for being here. Im to the staff is six pages of spreadsheets here. I dont know if youve seen those are not. They present a very incomplete funding picture the only capture advanced funding for some supplemental funding in fy 22 and 23 paid besides that we continue to the administration touting how much money is being invested in infrastructure. These tables indicate Something Different. Federal Transit Administration. 9. 7 of that funding less than 3 of the money has been out late only 35 fy 22 money for federalaid highway at only 11 . We continue to hear about the need for more money for infrastructure but it seems youre not spending the money you have already. What is going on here . Quick center of the charts you are describing at my fingertips. The lifespan of a project with the times identified for funding for when the project sponsor is ready to execute the Grant Agreement. When the spending takes place within the reimbursement take place for that is something that does not always happen within one or even two calendar years. For our part we would to do everything we can to make sure any part of that timeline thats under our control is swift. That also depends largely on the readiness of project sponsors. Theres often a lag one, two, three sometimes more years bitumen vetting is appropriated and authorized and when those dollars had been assigned to a project. In the interim the obligation of those funds which we are also seen significant amount of funds are not obligated let alone outwit. I understand the time lag and it that completely based on the timeline for appropriations versus the money actually being there. I guess my question is, if you can explain the taxpayer money sitting your agencys bank account at least obligated to keep pace with the project should talk about in your Opening Statement. I would just then terms of the pipe line with the legs associated with that. No one is sitting around and neither are the dollars. But the gap between fiscal year of which is authorized or appropriated in the moment when that construction takes place. That depends on the project. We can get something out to formula dollars often more quickly than a complicated project that involves cross Modal Administration support or multiple project sponsors working across state lines. You have my commitment anything under our departments control, we are going to move as swiftly as possible. I would not ensure the fact to improve the physical infrastructure because she missed the point of my question but a lot of times we hear from example municipalities are county governments or state governments that we could do a lot more with our money if we got a timely fashion. For example the obligation can start things moving. In the percentages we are well into for example. We still have a significant amount of money that is not been obligated let alone outplayed. I hope you will consider that. The feedback we get from home all the time is wheres the money . And it appears you have quite a bit of it in your account based on these spreadsheets your staff provided for us but let me move on to Something Else the federal highway menstruation announce the proposed rulemaking to required states in npos to performance measure. Declining targets for associate with transportation under the federal highway program. Despite the department having no authority to impose such a requirement. In fact Greenhouse Gas performance measure requirements was specifically omitted. How can you claim imposing Performance Measures consistent with the law are the intent of Congress Given it was considered specifically excluded . X under the law as written have the authority to implement Performance Measures. Just because congress did not require it of us does not mean we are not able to do it. We believe this is consistent with other instances in which federal Highway Administration or other operating administrations have developed Performance Measures whether on his safety or other domains. I want to emphasize this is not a mandate. It is not set a target for states. We are simply requiring there be some kind of measurement that relates to the impact of how the federal taxpayer dollars we are sending. I would argue people see that as a mandate based on your implementation of that. What other action of the supposed it take . Given the fact you do not have the authority and yet you are continuing to leverage that and put that on the states freight but mytime is expired so i yiel. Ask mr. Larson . Thank you mr. Secretary thank you again for coming in. When just off the question we asked in Washington State year end half ago or so with regards to the program. Dot announce 4 million that end up in my district as well as other districts to advance 11 covid projects to address that passage this is great news. Was hoping you could help us understand what we would expect to see the next funding opportunity of covid money . I will admit it was not on on the list of things i thought i would be working on when i first accepted this job. Having learned the economic especially but not only in the pacific northwest. I know how important this program is for the first to reward 195 million grants per 169 passage improvement projects. Including those 46 improvements in Washington States. What i will say without having a date for the next round to be put out is this is one of the many programs that was novel and kind. Crated by the infrastructure law we stood up. It is safe to say that first year send the program up for the first time is more laborintensive than it will be getting it out the next time will always refine and tweak the next based on the impact we got from project sponsors. Think it is safe to say we will be able to spend less time getting the last notice of funding opportunity out that we did getting the first one. A member promise you the first mobile be out by the time the salmon were running. I did not say where the salmon would be running but they are beginning to be running in Northern Michigan. Get to work and get in the next round ready. Clarks different salmon run at different times as well. Somewhat related to that largest projects arent rural areas hoping local counties Rural Counties make some changes. I wanted to ask you generally about the departments work to maximize the reach especially in rural areas. One of the most rewarding things in this job is been visiting rural areas that are receiving grants where the dollar amount might not be the same as you would get on the most complex projects. That means everything to the committee thereby mentioned my visit to south dakota. Another thing we did was about 800,000dollar grants. We were able to help them take a facility than it was addressed up double wide trailer not a trailer but a double wide. And turned into a permanent building. What that means is not just important for the pheasant hunting that goes on but for medevac, crop dusting that makes the small airport incredibly important. With those kind of projects in mind we are working to make sure we are serving rural areas as well but one thing i am proud of as we substantially exceeded the setaside required by congress on the of dollars going to rural areas. The hard part is quite often county or community wont have the same resources to and apply for managed federal grants that larger communities will have. We want to make sure we are sensitive to that, response is that a more userfriendly thats why our routes team is dedicated supporting Rural Communities. Ive directed the departments go out of the way to make the process simpler and to render Technical Assistance where possible to smaller and frequently Rural Communities that are just as deserving but may not have the muscle memory of working with the federal processes and department. Is a member with rural areas and some members of nothing but a districts that qualifies as a rule. Its important to hold you to that as well. Ive not talked to represented johnson from south dakota but my greatgrandparents made their way through chamberlain many, many moons ago. So im happy to see that. Related to rural areas and generally underserved communities great tribal communities for instance, urban areas that may be underserved in the past. You have any highlights you could help us with that we should be looking out for . We are mindful so many communities of federal support or dollars are low Resource Communities that may again not have the muscle memory work our practice and funding a recognizes those needs. Congressionally required framework to better perceive that. The infrastructure law that helps us render the Technical Assistance to cohorts and communities that are often disadvantaged to make sure they can best access these federal dollars. On the Work Opportunities that come with this rigorous standard both formally and informally engaging labor unions and others who are in a position to help bring more people into good paying construction jobs. Do not do so require a college degree. Do require a lot of skill or a terrific pathway into the middle class or communities who have historically been excluded. Thank you its good for members to be reminded there are tools in the bill to implement. For us to hold you accountable to implementing as well as to reach out to your team so thank you for that and i yield backup. Yes, sir. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you mr. Secretary for being here today. Despite never before and seen levels of funds going to your department there does not seem to be safer today than it did a few years ago. While pumping billions into green energy and subsidize alternative to gas powered cars we have seen more major transportation disasters under the Current Administration that really any administration i can recollect. Record level car fatalities, trains derailing chemical accidents, skyhigh gas prices, ports with a recordbreaking logjam delays which i represent several. Union strikes, workforce issues near misses on runways, grounded planes, systemwide failures, the terrible horrible 2022 holiday Flight Cancellations i saw so Many American families separated on christmas and new years. The list seems to go on and on. Understand your relationship with congress of the last two and half years has been pretty favorable for you. Youve got seemingly everything you have asked for and then some. Hundreds of billions of extra funding for dot thanks to the ij a Inflation Reduction Act. What impact has that money had on the average american . I would ask you before you start talk about victories with climate victories and social justice achievements of billions of taxpayer dollars please ask yourself this, does that green subsidies see that solar rnd project or the new mandate to go after oil and gas help every anyone if americans cannot rely on safe affordable transportation . Take the job of helping americans get from point a to point b safely very seriously. From what i can see your office simply writing blank checks the claim initiatives will the average joe have a desk. In 2020 was our inherent reports of federal government under joe biden and mayorkus was on explicitly allowing scores of Illegal Immigrants into the country who ultimately ordered commercial aircraft without passports or any other type of identification to fly across the country. I wanted to ask you how you feel about letting thousands of individuals without passports whose motives and backgrounds are unknown to us, boarded domestic flights and are these flights still occurring . I do not know all the details of the Homeland Security cited that. I would point out when you get on a domestic flight you do not to show a passport. That is true for anybody. Add to the blank checks i would argue expenditures like 18. 3 million that i approved through the terminal is not a random Biden Administration priority. Something benefits both the yorr district and the American People. We are investigate roads and bridges, rail, transit im also puzzled by the implication or the assertion the rate of Railroad Accidents or other safety issues is higher under our administration then in Previous Administrations when that is simply not supported by the record prevention Flight Cancellations of the send 1. 6 . That is lower than they were in 2019 before the pandemic. Ill be happy to provide further data to help clear up any of the inadequacies or inaccuracies sewing is the most important facts about safety. I dont believe we should be satisfied the current status quo and safety of lengthy on the record in favor of the Railroad Safety act congressman progress id like to see those mr. Secretary. The domestic flights allowing people on without passports who are foreign, who have entered illegally does not seem to square with the security of our nation for. Congressman if you are of the opinion every passenger boarding a domestic flight is a produce a passport ill be happy to refer that the Homeland Security but that is not our jurisdiction. I understand her members of this committee are very fresh of the ongoing delays applicants are experiencing by the ma. I understand the need for a thorough evaluation process. The current process is consistently failed to meet the three and 56 days statutory timeline or a record decision. Of the six applications and pending a record decision two of the applications are well past three to 56 days statutory timeline. One nearing 1400 day mark. The other nearing 800 day mark. And the process and why are they not do it more to help applicants through this process . Expert helping project sponsors get the projects done. One thing we are trying to make sure of is a photo process does not endanger the completion of the project. This is counterintuitive. But when you look at the longer time lines, what is happening is the interpretation of fidelity to the statute requiring three and 65 days can be met by stopping the clock of theirs information does not have it ready. That gives them the chance just because they did not meet the 365 if we had not interpreted that as Business Days or process days. If there are other steps to make sure working with those project sponsors we can have a smoother flow, we are always open to discussing that. We want to make sure whatever the nature of the project. Well of course making sure they met there is no unnecessary delays. Theres no unnecessary delays under our control. We certainly hope so. I yield back. Thank you sir. Mr. Secretary, is coauthor of the provision of the bill provided much needed funding for Railroad Crossing projects what is the status of funding and how is the department ensuring railroad companies, state deities and local governments are being effective partners to quickly implement Railroad Separation and safety projects. East is my district and it is of utmost importance. Or think the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program is one of the most timely and needed things it was in the bipartisan infrastructure law. Everywhere i go we have spoken about this and you have shared how this is affecting your constituents. We talked to dave who encounters safety hazards, inconveniences because of blocked crossings and just to be clear even that inconvenience is a safety hazard if theres an Emergency Vehicle for example waiting for his turn. We were able to do that first round of for road crossing elimination projects that will benefit about 400 crossings. Though some are a limited out outright similar safety mitigations. Every case the crossing will be safer than founded thanks the fetid this and that law. We are already getting ready for the next round thank you. Citizens in my district have been focused the law provided funds for the projects. [inaudible] i believe a safe routes to school in the first and last mile traffic are so important to local communities. What is the department doing to support these projects to towns and cities . Quickly strongly agree going back to my days as it mirrors the routes to School Funding was an important part of how we were able to improve how many kids were able to get to where they are going pretty mention briefly in my testimony i was able to be in indiana hundreds of students on foot cross what is currently a real and can be blocked by a train just to get in elkhart. One of the most rewarding grants is able to visit last year we were taking a road to students going to high school does not have a shoulder let alone a sidewalk. Competing with traffic at rush art making it safer to get there. We have several Funding Sources that can be used for this purpose. But what i would mention in particular is the all program that contains on construction dollars but planning dollars. We know some communities know there is a problem but they do not have a project fully baked and to apply for construction five. Who are able to put in hundreds of committees to the solace provided by congress and have him over that came from. Help those projects get scoped in the first place. And then we hope to help as many as possible for completion. The bipartisan infrastructure law takes Climate Crisis seriously fighting 7. 5 billion to address Carbon Pollution in the u. S. Our roots, roadways has potential to expand availability to fast ev chargers and support vehicles. What process are you seeing in deployment infrastructure . What areas are you focusing on to get the funding . Is both an exciting and challenging area for us. Especially for charging infrastructure pete i would liken this if we were to use an analogy to the period when the internal combustion was developing to be in a state of play Something Like what we are in in 1915. Many technologies are relatively new and we do not have the charging network yet that we are going to need. That is exactly why were working to build it. The tens of thousands of locations there is already been a charger installed often by private operators making a profit there are many more that need to be addressed for us to get to President Bidens goal of 500,000 chargers by the end of this decade. We have now been able to prove plans from every single state they felt filed and been accepted to have these the formula dollars. Now theyre going to work putting those dollars to use. Think soon will see the First Physical cases where the charters are going up funded to the particular source of funding. I hope california will be able to be in line for that. We have so much traffic per like to invite you to california to see some of the projects we have it. Thank you sir i yield back. Thank you. And get mr. Chairman, mr. Secretary thank you for being here. As you know it is no secret that china is engaged in a concerted surveillance strategy to infiltrate u. S. Airspace the Chinese Technology it targets ts Critical Infrastructure for surveillance. On the u. S. Has identified this Chinese Technology as a Significant National security. A Cyber Security and human rights threats. As you probably know or at least i hope you know the faa still uses drones made by Chinese Companies allow them to infrastructure inspect the infrastructure. My question is very direct. Can you commit to reviewing this matter and ensuring federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund the operation of these chinese drones . You have my commitment will put American Security first. At ensure there are no vulnerabilities that go unaddressed. Now, the challenge any american industry or sector faces in aviation is not an exception. What to do when there is no other way to get a piece of technology. And how to make sure it then as we work towards a friend assuring to source more of the equipment we depend on domestically if any element is made by a country of concern, that we have a handle on any and all potential vulnerabilities that could come with it. Certainly we are continually reviewing this. You have my commitment that we will do so anytime there is concern about security. Quicken seems Pretty Simple to me other departments have bandit and transportation should bandit to that should be the vast majority opinion of americans out there. I want to move onto another subject real quick. We hear all this talk about equity. I am not exactly sure i fully understand what equity means. You have guidance issued to your various agencies on equity . What that means . Who are a great place to look as the notice of funding opportunity we publish with our discretion to Grant Programs. Things we once project sponsors to consider when they are proposing a road or anything else but especially when it is an extremely competitive program. Part of how you can get our attention is to demonstrate that program is going to meet a need at percy a lot of confusion around the word of equity. To be a means fairness we see a lot of communities, a lot of people, a lot of neighborhoods including but not limited to communities of color, Rural Community and tribal communities have been excluded from opportunity in the past. In federal dollars into that exclusion our view is federal dollars ought to go to something more fair this time around tradethat is my interpretation f equity. We are going to continue being mindful of that with a once in a Generation Opportunity to do Something Different than whats happened in the past where federal dollars sometimes contributed to segregation. I do not want us to act as though we have no responsibility to do better this time then in 2020. It all sounds a pretty pretty subjective to me. The term equity was pretty much a subjective term if you ask me. Which is why i was when it was specifically defined. Disadvantaged communities, that seems to be somewhat of a subjective area as well. I guess the fundamental question we all want help those who need help but we have scarce dollars the one concern i have is with all the focus on equity how are we ensuring that american taxpayer dollars are going to the most important projects that support everyone. That support all of society including obviously disadvantage communities and about how that may be a sign. I think that is a real Public Policy question that needs to have more of a definitive answer. Anytime our values meet our criteria we have to be as transparent an objective as we can. Without pretending everything can be reduced to a mathematical formula. We sought to include as many objective criteria as we can make clear sometimes over provided by congress was the call for us with areas of persistent poverty to take one example. But also as we are applying American Values were over all work is an element that cannot be computed in a format thats all we have computers just like human beings versus computers making these decisions because think it mr. Secretary, mr. Chairman my time is ask what i yield back. Think it mr. Chair. Secretary pete welcome to the committee thank you for being here. Thank you for all the work youve done to implement the bipartisan infrastructure law. Thats a little more bipartisan than those toted bro than this one is so bipartisan. Still fighting to all of our districts. And memphis and Shelby County we had to grants 25 are public transport which was important crosstown safety and another 13 million for eliminating barriers, that would be helpful this project include many complete elements ensure safety and accessibility for all road users. This will transform the community make it much safer to get around. That is one of the areas i put a lot of emphasis on getting the bill passed was complete streets. Memphis has recently been in the third deadliest city for pedestrians went first as a city with the worst drivers based on traffic fatalities on the lease and bike friendly and the nation city was awarded a safe streets for all award of six and 40000 for developing a competence of action plan to significantly reduce those of fatality fatalis i mentioned are staggering under all across the country much needs to be done to reduce those deaths. What can this Department Due to decreased efficacy and how its helping advance the nation goal of zero roadway deaths . Hardly a plot identify their stated goal of zero roadway deaths as the only acceptable number. Right now are more like 40000 the first step in reversing the rise of roadway deaths is to see it stopped. We think it has stopped but we are a long way from having cause to celebrate. One of the pillars of the National Road weight strategy we put out alongside thing like safer vehicle favor peoples april speed is safer streets and this way have embraced a treat strategy we launch a complete Street Initiative in march of 2022 we delivered report to Congress Called moving to a streets design model to try to encourage designs were across the street scape and sidewalk cyclists and pedestrians and vehicle traffic and transit and Everything Else can coexist easily. But we know there needs to be not just roll support but fighting thats where 5 billion is so important. I should emphasize thats not the only source of complete streets are funny you mention the benefits coming to your district from the raised program as we look at the program 1. 1 billion of awards this year for projects going to improve safety. You mention improving efficacy. The other thing i would point to is in the safe streets for all we are doing will gather a level of data thats never been accessible to us before. So many places in the treatment so to speak of this kind of funding in these kinds of improvements. That will help us refine our understanding of what works best, what works most effectively and target the dollars where we can save the most lives. Chris i know you know this but the facts are minority communities is more likely they are not going to be sidewalks is more likely they will not have median strips that help at crosswalks or people to get across the pedestrian passing that is why we have so many deaths with pedestrians and bicyclists. That needs to be rectified to back to those communities and give them the opportunity you have foliage in the things were safer streets we have to incentivize or state governments to because they put out a lot of experience. Can you do things to incentivize the state governments kick them in the rear or something . I dont thing we have congressional authorization to kick anyone in the rear. But we do work with state dot knowing we all share in principle commitment to safety but believing their specific interventions will make a difference. With course have a great deal of regard and respect for the separation the delivered dilution and the responsibilities that are there but what we are trying to do draw attention to the eligibility of formula funds a estates will decide what to do with what they may or may not be cognizant of just how many ways they can use that to the benefit of safety but i will give you another example i touched on briefly in my remarks is Truck Parking. Thats something im not sure that all know they can apply for federal dollars for. And about to lose my time i appreciate that. Passenger rail is important like bydeceit memphis to nashville state recommended natural advanta chattanooga get memphis to nashville and then gl that together. I just want to remind your mantra should be memphis is the center of the country throughout the bridge goes across the Mississippi River with commercial aviation we got fed x fedexwith good for memphis is gd for america youll back my time progress understood sir. Objection very. [laughter] think it mr. Secretary for being here. My statement so my question is asked to let you finish an earlier thought you were having there. I saw you took a trip to have the Infrastructure Projects related to Truck Parking. One project visages with 10 additional spots which is help all of the money came from and for structure fund. In addition to your department i am snoop grants last week those 86 to grants only for even mentioned Truck Parking and they have to do with it systems at the truck stops. My question is based on the information ive just given you created zero additional Truck Parking locations even with a record amount of money that was given to an infrastructure bill we passed. Youve not done anything substantial to expand new Truck Parking locations of a problem still existed. What you plan to do about fixing the problem instead of continuing to talk about it . Again we are funding projects to increase physical by adding Truck Parking spaces on helping optimize the parking that is there we hereby it oriented project we are trying to do is correct in addition to their play not being enough spaces out there which is certainly a problem that wont be solved by 10 spots here are 12 spots there. Were also given Truck Drivers better access to insight about where the state spaces are going to be we hear about we talk to drivers they will be over the road. Still have a look at their Electronic Devices that anotherr coming into that last hour. Now the face with a choice of either giving up income im not going as far as they feel they ought to or as far as her employer expects them to they know there might be a space or pressing forward taking a bit of a gamble whether there will be a space near to where they will be when they time out. If they have more reliable information at a number of states, florida dot is working on this. I think tennessee is done some work on this too. If they can provide better information could be a lowtech solution like a webcam it could be more sophisticated giving them a live at tracking update they could get better search and see there. Its about recognizing we are not going to address the physical side overnight even though were working hard to do that by trying to bounce that optimizing whats there and adding to what is their progress and are set up in the trucking business all my life. I can say the problem really is not enough Spaces Available im going to switch gears if i can. Mr. Secretary you were made aware and november of 2021 they issued a decision they would allow Foreign Companies to enter into our longterm charter agreement for the purpose of offering and land at river cruises. Read from the decision in march of 2022 under the premise of Domestic Companies would continue to own and operate the vessels under the charter. That vessel is operating on the Mississippi River today. Unfortunate reaching this decision it inappropriate chose to apply existing time charter rules for Fishing Vessels operating in foreign waters to the inland Passage Service this misguided decision ignores the Foreign Company actually controls the vessel from selling tickets to the website to sing the ports of call all while profits are being sent overseas. In addition the hospitality cruiser be supplied by the Foreign Companies. Which i believe significantly causes a safety issue. Its action raises significant concerns with the jones act community and has a real possibility of extending well beyond passenger cruises to all inland operations that utilize longterm charters. What can you tell us about this decision of whether your offices officeis going to take a closer . For administrations supports the jones act is a highly troubling decision regarding tissue noted we support the jones act and mirrored works the best of their ability and judgment to apply the law as written. I welcome your invitation to take closer to this matter special theres a concern in your view its not playing out as expected where there is a discrepancy in terms of viewpoints on how that conforms to the legislative guidance. I welcome that she has a followup with your office because i wish she would do that. Because the reality is the jones act is in place for a reason. That is to keep foreign enemies from working inland into the unites states in the Mississippi River would allow that part that my time is expired to the hill back. You are doing a good job for it i recall early hearings in this committee as we develop a transportation infrastructure bill you were right there. You provided us with Key Information that we needed. The night you were into the implementation stage. Thank you, thank you for the two grants we have received in my district for electric buses to be placed old diesel buses are breaking down. By the way those buses are going to be made in america. This is just one piece of a very important project. You are in a position to provide this nation with a significant and extraordinary improved infrastructure. You have got a big challenge up ahead be hung for my colleagues on the righthand side basically whining about this or that. Not one of them voted for the bill so they want the joe without the vote which is not uncommon around here. But the reality is we are making progress. All of us have things we would like to see done faster, better rate i have my list too. Two. I could probably go throughm here and i probably should. Im going to put it this way. You are doing one great piece of work. There is more to be done. We are going to press you on those things. The airports, we felt like the way youve written the rules. Toptier general counsel weight, listen to what we actually put into the lot not what they think it ought to have bid if you Pay Attention to that one, thank you. I know youre going have a challenge out ahead providing the rest of the money that is out there for it is looking at that chart that was mentioned earlier. Obligations, money flowing we need to understand in depth how that works. We want to give a chance to go back over that again if you would. Please do so now. Checks and balances are important of the federal taxpayer dollars. To take one example historically the amount of time between new degree award announcement is made and with the Grant Agreement is signed can be a year or longer that is not because the u. S. Dot are sitting around that is the backandforth making sure all federal requirements are met and we have a responsibility to help sponsors do that more quickly, that is one of the steps for the obligation to happen. In the dot and we stay in touch to make sure delivery and by identifying nationwide issues around construction that could affect project timeline. Very transparent as we can with the data and the dollars in the numbers as they improve. Thank you, mr. Secretary there is a little matter out there about by america, 1983 a waiver that was granted by the transportation department, that is still in place that waiver deals with manufactured products that would be used in the federal highway program. Its extremely important that that waiver be eliminated. I know that you are working on it, i bring it to your attention and the attention of my colleagues. In the current law it is been pushed aside because of the 1980 waiver and to say that it is out of date it is insufficient description of the waiver. If you would Pay Attention to that and make a comment on that i would welcome it but mostly i would like you to get the waiver killed. I recognize your attention to this and i would add my bosses focused on making sure products and projects are funded with taxpayer dollars are built with American Labor and materials. Federal highways is in process of reviewing the existing general applicability by waivers that are not product specific and will publish in the federal register determination on what to do next with the comments received. The federal highway publish the first review and the request for comment in march and reviewed all the comments that came through that. The next step will be to move forward on the rulemaking. Your boss and president school of make it in america by america is going to be stopped and otherwise harmed by 1983 waiver. I yield back. Thank you, mr. Chairman mr. Secretary. I represent northeast minnesota eighth Congressional District. A couple of questions what is the average temperature in the minnesota winter. I know its pretty cold. Its 12 degrees although some of my constituents are 42 below next year. Many states have an average winter temperature is below freezing . It is half the country, this cold weather affect the evs battery life, yes or no. , to get atv battery life reduce the cold weather. It depends on the chemistry of the battery in the model year but a substantial percentage of the ev battery life. 50 or more. How long does it take for fast to breakin if the individual is in the cold but say the ev has run out on northbound 35 between minneapolis. I almost got stuck on northbound 35. Its about 30 minutes before frostbite. You know the average income household in the district that i represent, 69000. Do you know what the average price of an ev vehicle is. Up all the latest numbers, the models are started around 30000 for sedans and getting into the 40. According to kelley blue book, the average price for electric cars was over 53000. Youre aware that they start closer to 30. My constituents and have to work a full year to pay for the unreliable car and would barely have enough left over and care for their family. What is the average Median Income of a single individual ev buyer, is 150,000. 150,000. As edwin. Im just asking that number is going down each passing year. How much of the taxpayerfunded subsidies to the high income earners to purchase the ev. That was set in such a way there was an income cap on how you can benefit. 7500. People are not able to take advantage of them. Mr. Secretary would you agree at 7500. Would you agree at 7500. That is a maximum credit eligible. [inaudible] do you think it is fair for your administration to force constituents to purchase these electric vehicles when they are not working especially in northern minnesota. The premise of the question is false because were not forcing any technology, can you refer to any particular policy. By 2035 you want to thirds of americans to be using electric vehicles. They do not work in northern minnesota in the cold weather today. I want to share something with you. Last july you sat in the same spot and answer the questions. I told you about her concern with child slave labor in the democrat of the congo. I told you that we could mind these needed for evs in the district that i represent under the best labor and Environmental Standards in the world. You and the administration went ahead with an mou and the drc of january of this year well documented child state labor in the drc. Hardly any Environmental Standards. Your administration chose to enter mous where 15 of the 19 are owned by the commonest country of china where they use slave laborers. It is unbelievable that you chose other workers over the american worker. Its unbelievable that you and your administration wont allow mining here in minnesota and the United States. Your secretary of Energy Secretary granholm into the western caucus and i happen to ask her you know the only nickel mine in the United States today, she cannot answer that. You know where it is. No i dont. It is in the Upper Peninsula of michigan the eagle mine, the Gold Standard and shes her Energy Secretary. Do we need nickel, cobalt and copper for these electric vehicle as in transition the answer is yes we need to mine here in america with american minors American Labor, we can do it the biggest copper and nickel find in the world in your Administration Just banded. Union labor mr. Secretary that we want in your administration took the labor off of mining. Not only in northeastern minnesota but across this country. Today, this administration they cannot give one example of allowing a mind to be open in this country. I yield back. Thank you separately put a se buttigieg. Is there any things that you want to say to the questions and comments i have been made today that you have not had the opportunity to respond to. Had there been more opportunity to respond to representative i wouldve mentioned the work that were doing to onshore breeze sure and friend sure the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. We have been doing that with funds that we wish we had more votes from the other side the vial but got down to the Inflation Reduction Act and will help make sure more of this material is produced and refined here in american soil with the workers. Thank you i also want to thank you appearing before the committee today and also for your hard work and making sure 6. 7 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law funding has been announced its headed to georgia with over 309 specific projects identified for funding. 1. 3 billion having been spent to highspeed internet and as of today more than 656,000 georgia households are already saving their monthly internet bill. I want to thank you for that. I might ask you in response to the question of the previous gentlemen on the other side. He asked you about ev vehicles in the average price being 50000 as he said and you said 30000 and he said 50000. Are you aware of the cost of the f150 florida truck these days . I know its gone up the electric entered the model around 40. The big gas guzzling model. I have a check the gas lately. 60000 i understand. How about that. At any rate i would like to ask you question when will the dot bump up the personal net worth Eligibility Criteria so its adjusted for inflation while also pegging the personal net worth to inflation thereafter, when will you all do that. Again for the question representative we know the personal net worth puts many Business Owners in a position of being as one person said to be too big to be small for federal person under purposes but too small to be big and grow the way youre supposed do we have issued an mp rem to modernize and improve the Program Including updated the personal network and program thresholds for inflation ended number of other flexibilities. I tell you were close to finalizing that having reviewed the common set of common and we recognize the importance of that step. When will the dot consider excluding Retirement Savings from its personal net worth limits. Thats under active consideration of what will be addressed. Thank you. Considering the recent report by the New York Times highlighting a significant increase in dangerous close calls between aircraft, what specific measures and the department of transportation or is the department of transportation implementing to improve Warning Systems of airports across the u. S. As to mitigate the alarming incidents. Thank you for the question this is something that has a great deal of attention and focus at the faa and for office at the department of transportation. We recognize a number of specific steps can help, some are specific steps to build awareness on everybody was a piece of the puzzle when it comes to aviation safety via controllers, pilots and ground crews which is why theres a focus on situational awareness. Communication to be back and this is also a matter of the right infrastructure and making sure their engaging with airports on that among other mechanisms, with the action team. Let me ask you a quick question and the air Traffic Controllers to meet the 2023 goal. 206 air Traffic Controllers id be remiss if i didnt mess mentioned that a Government Shutdown would stop us in our tracks and hiring in growing the atc workforce. It would stop training when were trending positive again when theyre ready to take those seats. It looks like were barreling towards the Government Shutdown fortunately and i hope we can avoid it. I yield back. Good to see you mr. Secretary you have 5066 with the be thats a lot of money at the departments discretion. The california highspeed rail project started 15 years ago and made promises that are supposed to be the next best thing in transportation in america. For the record i want to let you know i support highspeed rail in america but i do not support this project and here is why i have a document that is the california highspeed rail peerreviewed ladder on march 23, 2023 and i would like to submit it for the record are you familiar with the document. I cant recognize. This document is an sos wording to cancel the california highspeed project it is riddled with billions and cost overrun, the numbers of the document almost make it seem criminal and im going to call directly from the letter written to the board members. This was created by proposition one a and required to report to the state legislature in the california highspeed rail authority. In this document the. Review group said since 2008 a consistent theme emerges project cost scheduled and estimates are uncertain and subject to risk of deteriorating. The project is underfunded and its financing is unstable rising cost in making effective management difficult is not impossible. Most important more legislative oversight is needed. In the. Review 2023 project update report is states the project cost continue to rise with no clear end in sight the clear contract values are 97 mr. Secretary higher than the original war value. It grew from 68 billion in 2012 to 92 billion in 2022 and now projected to be 106 billion in 2023. The scheduling on the cost has a construction project that was awarded in august in 2013 and it was to be completed in 2018. This was before covid dont use that as an excuse. The current completion is 2026. Ridership, 2009 big business plan, 41 Million People, now you know what they project, the 31 Million People, i dont know, you need to get this you need to see it the report recommends the legislature wants to request selection and the appointment of the Inspector General be given high priority, this project needs to be looked at, billions of dollars of taxpayer money and my understanding now they want 3 billion more from the federal city innercity passenger Grant Program i want to make sure were not throwing good money after bad and the highlights even if the project gets a billion they will still be short of a 2. 5 billion even after the state of california funds are included. Have you visited the project. I have not been to the construction. You have to get there, this is billions and billions of dollars. Are you willing to invest more taxpayers on this project which seems highly unlikely to succeed versus ended the limited money elsewhere. I want to take care. Let me start with the support for highspeed rail in general and that doesnt necessarily mean one would support a particular project. This particular project is an active application for some process underway i want to be careful not to prejudice that process. I appreciate you and i think this is what we should do we should Work Together and conduct a full audit of the project before any highspeed grant decisions are made. Maybe you could call the supper will get on the jet and take a good look at it, do you want to look at that. I am telling you this gives highspeed rail a bad book its costing billions of dollars and are going to come to your office and request more. I have to move into Something Else. Do we have a pilotage shortage. Pilot availability. Do you believe that a certain age people should be forced to retire the arbitrary age is 65. Do you like to have fear, that is right. Yes. How about having people the highest office in the nation over 80. Most can agree. There are a lot of folks who can do a great job regardless of their age. People are experiencing pilots in the air, lets keep them in the air. With that i yield back. Who is next. Mr. Worship. Thank you, mr. Chairman thats tough to follow. It is a pleasure to welcome you back to tni i want to thank you for traveling back to your home state the great Hoosier State in the city of minneapolis last month to examine our transformational investment in our bipartisan infrastructure law and that includes a 25 million raise grant to maker downtown streets safer. You and i spent some time at the sheet Metal Workers local printer shipping program to learn firsthand how a new generation of trades. Mr. Secretary, what is the department doing to expand these kinds of programs and how are you working to strengthen the workforce with participants including minorities of advantage and underemployed individuals and returning citizens. How can this Committee Help expand the departments work. Thank you for the question integrate visit to the indianapolis area. I was really moved what i saw with the work that is going on to prepare the workers of the future for all of those guys that are now materializing. Its an extraordinary thing to have gone from not that many years ago wondering where all the work and now being concerned whether workers are going to come from but thats certainly where we are right now. Were actively working through a number of funding streams and problematic authorities at the transportation to do her part to help with the workforce issue, one example thats included the eye i ja that is constructive, there is a requirement in the programming that we used for low and no admission buses for transit agencies that 5 of the funding be put toward a Workforce Program whether the partnership of the labor union or Community College or another entity to make sure the workers that are qualified to repair and maintain diesel buses are ready to work on the low and no admission buses. Thats one example another thing is urging project sponsors like state dot to recognize the ability of formula dollars often for workforce purposes. I know that you have been a leading voice in advocating for attention to those excluded and minority workers who have not historically had much of a role in the Building Trades but as capable as anybody of delivering the next generation of transportation infrastructure. We enjoyed working with a number of entities with transit agencies to labor union locals that have been taking steps forward to include people that may not have the multigenerational background but can get on the ladders to the middle class and bring good to the families how can they get better connected and plugged into the ev infrastructure owner was awarded 100 million but the capital city received 15 million on that offer for the record and oped describing are concerned for your review i understand there are discretionary Funds Available to build the gaps can you give us an update on how those are being filled. This is when the primary purposes for the Community Infrastructure element of the electric vehicle funds included in the iija and in addition to the formula dollars which to title vi another requirements estates of the civil rights obligation but we have discretionary dollars in disadvantaged communities that could benefit from the fuel savings that come with ev but only a few other things that your one that they can afford access to ev in the first place. One of the reasons the tax credit moves in the ira to cut the Sticker Price is so important and they have access to chargers where it might not be profitable for corporations to install thats where policy can make a difference on that where we will target many of the funds. Thank you mr. Secretary i yield back. The chair now recognizes himself for five minutes. Secretary thank you for coming thank you for listening to our questions i wouldve picked off in july of 2022 regarding the administrations antimarket policies in regard to evs. They are expensive and were building a second grade on top of the grid we already have which is a huge costing people are pain and their electric bills from the batteries have limited range and despite the subsidization of the market is not adopting evs regardless of what we want to believe or what you want to say there is significant Inflationary Pressures well beyond demand if we consider the current uaw strike the cost of living has been a way to pay their grocery bill in the gospel in their rightfully upset with the administration subsidization of the electric vehicle is killing their jobs. They know this for my second point related to evs i think its important to what the uaw president sean fain directly. Not only is the federal government not using this power to turn the tide that the actively funding a race to the bottom of billions and publicly funded. I wonder what you have to say to michigan that feel the federal government is using their tax dollars to destroy the industry and their jobs. One of two things is going to happen. Either the ev resolution is going to be made in china or america. Right now is destroying their jobs. Its been subsidized which is destroying their jobs as your position were going to lose all the jobs thats what has to happen or chinas going to build the vehicles. One of the reasons we see manufacturing grow so much in this administration compared to the manufacturing in the last administration were invested in american manufacturing. Your investing in our money with things that you do not want. Forcing Car Companies to make these vehicles that are lost is 60000 per vehicle sold is damaging to the uaw job. Im not looking forward their electric vehicle unit is expected to lose 4. 5 billion this year up from 2. 1 billion in losses last year. A 92 day supply of electric vehicles twice of the internal combustion then i will remind everybody electric vehicles is one of the First Vehicles back in the early 1900s but they were replaced by better technology. Average new vehicle transaction price i heard one of my colleagues 50000 i got 48763 which is up 10000 and your boss became the president in the average use is 26510. Mr. Secretary the people that i work for my bosses cannot afford what you are forcing these are not Market Forces this is a government funded our destruction of our Automotive Industry two thirds of ev owners make 100,000 year my bosses do not make them i dont how you justify forcing my constituent to paper evs and ev infrastructure for coastal elites and wealthy people but somehow you do. I need to point out wealthy people were excluded from the inflation reduction out do you dispute two thirds are owned by people that make over 100,000. That number is going down. It doesnt matter if its going down. My folks that i represent cannot afford them today. Im not against cutting the cost the market should do it but you want my taxpayers to pay to cut the cost. Respectfully. All these factors are fine i mean every ev sold at a loss in the colleague on the other side the gas guzzling pickup truck is higher now to paper the boss as you kill your administration did you particularly kill the Auto Industry. In 2008 after the financial crisis, the federal government bailed out the industry. While youre here today we commit and pledge to oppose any effort to bail out the Auto Industry after you force it into bankruptcy again. Will you do that today. I got started in politics. The answer is no. It was at risk of being shut down because an elected official tried to block you administration from saving christ like. I stood with the uaw to save those jobs and always be with auto jobs be preserved. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Would you like to finish her statement. Think ill try to be as concise as i can there are some people that believe there should be no subsidies for anything and all transportation isu memphis under philosophical consistency they will be against oil and gas and against americans been able to afford and ev there are others that believe we should force americans to be in the technology of the past forever then this administration the recognizes that the world is moving to evs with or without us and those will be made by Chinese Workers were being made by American Workers. We respect the uaw stated up at the dawn of a new chapter in the Automotive Industry that created my hometown to make sure those are not american jobs but good paying american jobs. Thank you very much i apologize for stepping out but i spoke to 200 members of the southern advantage chamber of commerce and they said tell him thank you for partnering with us for all the infrastructure funding that is come to Southern Nevada we have 3 billion already 120 million for the airport everything from safe streets to underrepresented areas of the Community Mass transit all of those are great investment and help business come back in Southern Nevada or airport is coming back with 52. 7 passengers and through the gate iran track to go back to precovid times i wonder if you would talk about the shutdown and how its going to impact air Traffic Controllers and the progress that weve made so far and set back our tourism industry. Thank you representative for the question were trapped under privacy many projects take shape. It reminds us how important the aviation sector is to the American Economy even if you dont work in aviation somebody people that work in las vegas and tourism and travel Oriented Industries depend on aviation to be in good shape. What are the reasons review the cancellation for this last year is unacceptable and why were pleased to see the numbers Getting Better but we know theres more work to be done. Part of the work is having the air Traffic Control workforce that we need we estimate there are 3000 more people that we need qualified than we have today. That did not build up overnight and were docketed be able to address it overnight but we have 2600 air Traffic Controllers in training. A Government Shutdown would stop the training even a shutdown lasting a few weeks could set us back by months or more because how complex the training is and we cannot afford that politically driven disruption at the very moment when we finally have the air Traffic Control workforce numbers headed in the right direction. Thank you we are very concerned about that. That is the lifeblood of Southern Nevada. Were big sportscenter now as well as entertainment. We can have the super bowl and the f what if the air Traffic Controllers are not out there we are in big trouble. Speaking of people coming into the state i want to ask you about the superspeed training. Are there any other projects besides the bright line project from Southern Nevada to Southern California that arent as far as long and the process that we are with labor agreements and environmental studies completed. We think were real competitive and weve been working on this for a long time and that would not only spur business commerce, trade and open up ports from Southern California into the interior as well as tourism in both directions. Thank you for the question. As you know i am President Biden our enthusiasm about passing highspeed rail. Again ill issue the caveat that im not going to speak to any application underway thats been reviewed by our department. But i will note as you said the proposed bright line west project really has a unique combination of advancements under his belt and a number of advancements on the permitting and the rightofway for the project this calendar year and a lot of that is because innovative design that reduces impacts by using the i 15 rightofway that is right there. Ethic a lot of people that envision highspeed rail where they are wish theirs are ready rightofway to take advantage of. That is certainly a project that i can tell you has our attention and i know the enthusiasm in your district and across the southwest. It has regional significance of bipartisan and bistate so we appreciate your consideration. The chair thanks the gentlelady from nevada. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Thank you, mr. Chairman and mr. Secretary welcome to our committee layer were glad to have you here today. We covered a lot of interesting topic so far, highspeed rail in california is always a fun one for me since they watch that evolve for a long time as a californian in the fact remains that the price has quadrupled from what the taxpayers originally sold when they approved 10 billion worth of bonds and the r acted 2009 supplemented with three and a half billion more when all the other states through theirs in the pot in california got it all. Weve only been able to supplement that with co2 at the state level. Working to be 70, 80, 90 billion short to complete the project. How much begging they come ahead of the congress to d. C. That is what they will ultimately be asking for it will never pay for itself. Its time to move on to Something Else. I found interesting earlier on the price of electric vehicles that in f150 is 50000 now because this 10000 higher than it should be because of the supply chain and the covid shutdown much longer than it shouldve been. He could see in f150 and 50 grams but the lightning version of all electric is 70 80 grin and you can look that up. The ev vehicles are going to be much costlier than the same equivalent in the same size of the internal combustion vehicles. Thats the reality that consumers are going to face as they get pushed out of the choices and what mr. P was saying florida is losing their rear end and is going to have to affect the price of Everything Else as well as the jobs. The thing that it comes down to working after make them here or that china make them. Even china making them is something that people arent asking for unless they have a free choice. What i want to get, why are we doing all of this. Is it highspeed rail because were chasing a few tons of co2 all of the electric vehicles, because were chasing co2 is that the whole deal. Is the way i look at it. The ev resolution is happening whether without us. Exercising their free choice americans have tripled the proportion of cars that they are purchasing already in the outset of the revolution. The fact that costing the producing of cars will come down and if youve ever driven one you know it has superior performance, lower maintenance cost, lower cost of fueling. If you have to drag many, many miles and people dont want to come to my district so much because they cant count on being able to charge their vehicles they want to go to modoc county or something. For sure if youre driving more than a couple hundred miles a day then you really depend on the charging infrastructure, some of which is not there. We have the vast majority of americans will do what chastain and i do with a hybrid plugin minivan and we charge in the garage and it does what we need for most purposes. To get to the very important question for vvs are coming anyway, why have a policy. The answer is this. We are being forced. Nobodys been forced. Ceos of the corporation do not have a spying theyre falling in line. I dont know if he sat down with the ceos but they are pretty tough and smart. Are scared of washington, d. C. Years ago when the mandate was down 54 and a half mile per gallon, we can do that by the year of 2022 or whatever. No way in hell before all the electric stuff happen. You do what it 54 and half mile per gallon internal combustion vehicle looks like it is this big, nobody wants those that nobody wants electric vehicles unless you delete that can forward them. People in my district dont want them, why are we doing this is it for co2. Were doing it for three recent. Even though the ev revolutions going to happen anyway. The revolution. I would love to be able to answer your question. Even though we think the transition is happening in the sector no matter what. There are three things that are not guaranteed will that happen quickly to materially have the Climate Change. Will that happen on equitable terms that are available to people who are not wealthy. Im short on time. If i finish my answer. It is about co2 is it. At what percent of the atmosphere is co2 that were chasing here . What percent of the atmosphere is co2 that we are chasing here. We talked about Climate Change be macro no the atmosphere. What i tell you the Climate Change is real and we have to do something about it. This is called autumn. I cant make out what you said. The Climate Change is called autumn. That is the seasons changing which respectfully is not the same thing as Climate Change. As somebody was hoping to retire in 2050 and have kids old enough to ask me getting into their 30s whether we did enough to deal with Climate Change or whether we did what was convenient i think that seriously. Thank you, mr. Secretary. The trillions and trillions were going to toss our kids to chase a tiny percentage of co2 will bankrupt all of us and bankrupt our economy and ship it to china for all the other reasons. I yield back. The gentlemans time is expired in the chair recognizes the chairman from california. Mr. Secretary it is good to see you. You can see i serve in congress with some of the greatest minds of the 19th century. Thank you for your leadership. I will tell you as a representative for the north coast of california it warms my heart when i hear a northwestern correctly describing anomalous fish casting that was one of many points in your testimony that met with my strong approval i appreciate that and i really want to appreciate the hard work that you are doing to quickly and efficiently rollout the historic investments from the eye ja in the ira. A lot of good work is happening because of your leadership in my district. One of the culvert replacement projects, the 20,000,000. 1, 20 million worth of those good for transportation, great for an outermost fish. Of course we were there at the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the 400 Million Investment that will make the iconic landmark in Critical Infrastructure assets safe from seismic risk for the next 100 years. It is especially exciting that all of the investments from the eye eye ja and the ira are just Getting Started so we can expect more news to come thats true for the incentives to transition to electric and 0 admission transportation sources. I really proud to see the state of california leading on this. Our advanced clean cars to rule will require all vehicles sold in the state be 0 admission by 2035 and as you acknowledged other states are following the standard as well it is not just california in the industry itself is heading in this direction. Thanks for acknowledging the imperative of owning and leading on this important transition but we still have to tackle the thing that is complicating and holding back this transition the chicken and egg problem of charging infrastructure. I wanted to ask you a bit about that. We are especially challenged to see more charging infrastructure and higher density areas and less affluent communities. California is ready to lead in this space as well. But we are in desperate need of funding assistance. Evs have become so popular in california that the vehicle charging station ratio is especially there. We need more charges in california forget to continue to lead. I hope you give fair and equitable consideration as you continue to rollout the funding for charging infrastructure. The need is greater when we look at medium and heavyduty vehicles that produce disproportionately higher amount of Greenhouse Gas admission. Currently there is for public accessible charging stations and three Hydrogen Fueling stations for 0 admission tracks on the entire west coast. I know california and washington and oregon have come together on joint application for funding it is the west coast truck charging cord or and i would deploy 34 charging stations, five Hydrogen Fueling stations to support 0 admission medium and heavyduty vehicles on the west coast we hope you will give that equitable consideration as well. In that regard i want to ask you what can communities do to complement all of the historical federal funding that is becoming available and make ev charging more accessible and equitable. Thank you, it is a great question. Sometimes i fear the community or state fear and they say we should do much locally. The best way to unlock and take a vantage of this national and federal push is to be local and state commitments as well and we see a lot of that. I think its also important for local jurisdictions to provide whatever data that they have on where they need is greatest. This is not like gas stations. It is different it is easier and harder easier in the sense that gas in the majority of americans will do the majority of their charging at home. On the other hand is harder on like gas it could take three or four minutes to fill up depending on what vehicle and charger were talking about. We cannot put a charging station everywhere there is a gas station. We need to recognize this is different and the implications from a grid policy to land use are profound. We need to be working with states and communities not just the project sponsors but the thought partners and getting the right profile for the installed base of the 500,000 charging station of having as a country by the end of the decade. Thank you, mr. Secretary. In a few seconds i want to invite you to come and visit a Court Modernization project we have to Service Offshore wind in humboldt county also within your jurisdiction i think it would be a great interest we would love to have you there and fish passage projects. Mr. Chairman all yield back but i would ask to enter into the record article thats pretty responsive to the comments that my colleague from minnesota made about ev not working, its from the twin metal Mining Corporation of minnesota announcing that they are converting their whole fleet to electric vehicles. Apparently there pretty excited about evs in minnesota. With that i yield back. Without objection to order. The chair now recognizes representative westerman for five minutes. Thank you chairman and secretary buttigieg. Thank you for being here today. Ive been listening to some of the debate. There was talk about a revolution the ev revolution i thought the revolution was something that came from the people and the revolutions are often compared to anarchy when the people rise up and i dont think the people are rising up asking for evs. Its the opposite of anarchy and hierarchy where its coming from the top down forcing all the people not having a choice saying this is the way its going to be because the government policy and mandate you are not going to be able to drive in internal combustion vehicle and youre not going to have the choices. We know the hierarchy according to scholars leads to fascism, thats where that comes from. This mandate or goal whatever youre calling to up to 50 of vehicles on the market by 2030, i dont think thats a revolution. I think thats coming from top down trying to force some peoples desires on other people. With that comes a lot about the consequences. Its been talked about with demand of the minerals and elements building all the electric vehicles is going to require a tremendous amount of rareearth elements and minerals. At the same time your boss is pushing evs and one agency in another agency the closing down minds he mentioned the twin metals project, then a to be able to bind the electric vehicles if they can have a mining project. This administration had canceled two in minnesota and enacted a 20 year ban on mining intruder 25000 acres in the surrounding area of where the minerals can be found in right here in the United States. I said the problem with this administration and the plan that is twofold is physics and math and you can solve those problems and you may have something with the electric vehicle and carbon machine goals. I would contend that youre not going to be able to achieve the carbon admission reduction, the policy of this administration are actually increasing Global Carbon admission because enforcing more energy to be produced in other countries that dont have near as good as control as we do chinas building 38 gigawatts of coal power plants a year the global use of coal was at an alltime high last year. We cannot put our head in the sand and say one Energy Source is better than another Energy Source and by the way america youre to be forced to drive evs. I live back home in my district. I took my pickup and to get it serviced and i was talking to a salesman at the car dealership that ive known for a long time and i said it looks like you have a few more cars on the lot then you had before and he said we are starting to get them but nobody can afford them i said what you mean and he said we dont have any cars under 30000. A big part of our sales used to go to people who could only buy 20 or 30000 cars now they simply dont have an option. Theres not a used vehicle, now you have 115,000dollar pickup on the lot and we actually sell some of these. People that have a lot of money still come in and buy a lot of vehicles. But my constituents in the Fourth District of arkansas are the ones looking for the 20 or 30000 vehicle or the 5 10000dollar used vehicle. With the grandiose goals that i tender not to do anything to address the climate challenges they will not reduce any carbon in the atmosphere what would you tell me to go back and tell my constituents as far as buying an automobile. I wish you could tell them that you voted to make the Sticker Price of the ev cheaper by joining us on the Inflation Reduction Act. While we are on that. Now i am reading the internal combustion vehicles are more expensive because auto manufacturers are losing so much money on evs even with a government subsidy to every american taxpayer are paying for their losing so much money on evs there raising the price and internal combustion engine. Me voting to spend more taxpayer money on a government handout in a certain industry that will not help anything it will not help my constituents feel any better about not being able to buy any kind of vehicle. My time is expired into your back. Thank you, mr. Chairman thank you mr. Secretary for joining us this morning. First i wanted to congratulate you for completing the michigan higher man triathlon last weekend. Kudos to you. I would like to begin by thanking you by your work to improve our nations infrastructure to improve Transportation Safety and to address the Climate Crisis. I also want to thank you for your work to implement the historic infrastructure bill which is helping so many communities across the United States including mind to create and sustain jobs especially in construction and engineering sectors which is fueling economic recovery in helping families to put food on their tables. I am especially grateful for the resources that the department of transportation has directed the projects in my district which includes most of Ventura County california and portions of western los angeles and it includes more than 22 million to the oneonone freeway which is the critical through a fair and my district and over 12 million dedicated to the gulf coast Transit District for 0 emission buses as well as funds directed to Ventura County oxnard and camarillo airports which are critical engines of Economic Activity for the local businesses in the region. In addition to creating sustaining jobs the cortical projects are helping to improve Transportation Options in our community, lessen Traffic Congestion reduce harmful greenhouse emissions and improve the quality of life in my community. Thank you again for your attention to the local priorities. As the department of transportation considers awards for other competitive programs like the Port Infrastructure Development Program i also want to emphasize to you the incredible role that the port plays in the movement in our nation including for automobiles and fresh fruits and best vegetables of important experts. The next time you are in california i hope you can visit the port to see firsthand one of the cleanest sports and working toward 0 admission its really helping to eliminate bottlenecks in los angeles in northern california. It is a deepwater port in california that sometimes is overlooked but important port. As i said supporting fruits and vegetables and ev vehicles to the American People. My first question to you mr. Secretary. I was pleased that congress was able to agree that a blenders tax credit is necessary to jumpstart production unsustainable aviation fuel. What are you doing to advance saf technology and to make this critical they will more widely available to meet the demands of the aviation industry. Thank you for the question and let me echo the appreciation we have for how funds are going to good use in your region we welcome a chance to see the port as well. Sustainable Aviation Fuels are good to be an incredible part of the carbonized aviation because unlike vehicles where you can acquire a car right now that is 0 emissions on todays technology and were working to make them more affordable. In case of aviation we are a long way from novel that will require a few will. Sustainable Aviation Fuels are made from renewable sources so the provider reduction lifecycle carbon emissions. There is a number pertaining to advance that. Together with the department of energy in the agriculture, with the grand challenge, that focuses federal efforts to expand heavily were producing by the end of this decade. We tried to get to 3 billion gallons by the end of this decade to put us on a path to 35 billion gallons a year by the end of 2050. That would be 105th jet fuel demand. Then there is a fast fueling sustainable transition Grant Program 291 million in grants to accelerate production and use in the development of lower admission aviation technology. I say very soon will have news to make about getting those funds out on the street. Were especially excited about the different applications that are going to come in their. We know a lot of private sector work but we gotta make sure were doing our part for the Public Policy. Thank you very much. My time is about to end but i look forward to the opening of the new office of the National Multimodal rate network and we hope very much that dot will include ports with more than 1 billion in annual cargo in the great networks. I yield back. Mr. Johnson. Mr. Secretary, thank you for spending time in south dakota last week you mentioned in your opening comments and you behave yourself, nobody had any complaints my team and my members were along with your trip and i thought everybody thought it was a productive time in our state. Thank you for coming. You and i share a passion for permitting reform. It seems like we have a number of different views about the future of evs and what is the proper role of government in the future. I think its appropriate people can disagree but it seems like we should find some Common Ground that it should be a lot easier despite transportation infrastructure and the kinds of minds that are necessary for us to be not rely on china in the future and we have been on the middle east in the past. We have talked about couple of times in committee and i found Common Ground we talked about some specific things to do and mr. Secretary you know that is a problem everybody wants to do something the actual specifics get a little hard to do. I want to give a shout out to mr. Stand on this committee as well as editor lummus and kelly in the senate. We have a bipartisan plan. The interactive federal bvu act i know you know about above everybody else this would cut down on some of the inefficiency of agencies taking the static pdfs and emailing them to one another as they work to the siding process and instead use a dynamic cloudbased platform to try to make sure the federal Government Works more efficiently. I want to give you no opportunity to talk about your agencies interest or support of our bill. Thank you, we welcome amber piloting what we can with legislative support we can do much more to make this process less paper intensive. We know so much of the red tape has to do with passing information back and forth between projects monitors, state and Relevant Federal Agency and sometimes between federal agencies. Anything that we can do to simplify the process we welcome. Were doing what we can on our own like developing partially automated gating through the web form, the project sponsors used to apply and give them a heads up if something is out of compliance while theyre putting the application together so they could address instead of having the bureaucratic backandforth but what youre talking about would introduce new tools that could be very helpful. Are there other specifics that congress could work with the administration regarding the permitting as you know part of the fiscal responsibility act there was a substantial reform in the timeline of the shot clock the agencies will have to complete eis is the aid thats a substantial permitting reform and a couple of decades. What else can we do. Let me point to one thing that is now underway but this could be more opportunity where that came from that is categorical exclusion the fiscal responsibility act added the new provision to section 109 at nepa that made it possible for one agency to adopt another agency. This is so new that technically not happen. Today there federal register notice dot adopted the department of energy categorical exclusion on ev charging station thats what example of members priorities and others this is one of the first adoptions of another agency ce using the capability. Certainly there is other areas were that could be possible in the spirit of the one federal decision concept and were committed to working other places where its appropriate to use the possibility created by the fiscal responsibility act. Another thing that will be important part of whats at stake in the Technical Assistance work that we did like thriving communities. For us to accept some level of responsibility for project sponsors ability to get through the nepa process what i mean sometimes there is an understandable but unhealthy tendency on the federal side if theres a step in the process taking too long. We work with them to try to get through it. And have a proactive sense of her own responsibility even if its on them to get the right information or to be compliant. It is on us tell them see their way through predta resources to be a dialogue weve got a lot to work with. I could be partly to that use it. Thank you very much mr. Termini yelled back. Who begot . Thank you, mr. Chairman. First mr. Secretary went to thank you about the work youve done on aviation safety. Sometimes ive been critical of the faa and that process produce never directed it was complementary to the work youre trying to do and i hope you took it that way but in that regard the great work this committee did on that leadership of the chairman and the Ranking Member to get reauthorization out has a lot of Component Parts that will help with that in aviation safety. Hope you can help us get that to the president s desk. I also want to thank you for it and heard a lot of comments for people asking to come to your their district. Thank you for coming to my district we are very proud of that. The Transportation Committee and the california Transportation Committee or working with the Auto Industry to look at best a technology and self driving cars reduction in pollutions including carbon. When you came you could not have missed i dont think they have the fossil fuel footprint in our area. There are five refineries in that area paid the headquarters of chevron is in that area the ceo is a constituent. But we are doing great work to the conversation about whether this is either or conversation about energy. And i loved your analogy the historical aspect. Henry ford said then his great quote was our job is to produce an affordable car a highquality car at an affordable price with the highest possible wages which is interesting given whats going on right now. Part of that is gas stations for electric charging stations or fuelcell stations if you read david which every person on this committee and the Energy Committee should spend 10 minutes on the history of this is rockefeller did not just create gas stations over the country. The analogy to the infrastructure although different is a telling story. So in that, again i want to mention i was able to get grants and thank you and the Regional Office for safe communities which are all tied into mobility. And so we talk about this in the historic infrastructure in the infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act 380 billion i represent an area that in addition to the other things we have three National Labs one of the originals at barkley, two at lawrence livermore. People at mit would argue this but the best Transportation Research school in the country at barkley in one of the best at davis. We are transitioning this in our area we are a model or that workers in those refineries are working with the Environmental Community to transition knowing we are at a pivot point. Just like the early 1900s. It is pretty clear the Investment Community is going in that direction. The chinese and as you and i have talked about we were able to get onto the Inflation Reduction Act clean accord or active. They are creating 100,000 charging stations and fuelcell stations a month. Yes they are hedging their bets. So in that context Interagency Working Group of the white house has been terrific. Im sorry mccarthy left. Secretary walsh also came to her district to talk about this transition. It is not an either or. The marketplace is speaking, it is changing its more efficient t theres a higher return on investment there is a similar challenge as we had with fossil fuel. So how are you working to make sure were doing this thoughtfully . Lesson hear hear i mentioned we should go for the early adapters are. We should not leave people who werefighting us in creating friction. We know where the cars are being sold are being sold in San Francisco and austin, and boston. Car companies and tell you that is where the market is. We put the infrastructure there we can show the rest of the world that this is where the future is. So how are we working within the administration, continuing to work at the federal level and at the state level and at the local level you mentioned this a little bit, to make sure we integrate this historic change that works for everybody. Thanks. I want to really identify with the point you are making about the complexity, the balance and the sheer length of time associate with even the most rapid scenarios for these transitions to play out. What it means is we have to be intentional about supporting American Workers, American Consumers on the American Transportation sectors. As many different modes of powering our travel coexist. Novel proposal for aircraft is not about burning some kind of fuel is well more than a decade away. Even our ambitious timeline for eb adoption estimates we hope to get to half of the sales at the end of this decade which means the other half wont be. And so we have got to be ready to serve and support vehicles of all kinds while not allowing any of the transitions to be only beneficial to those who have the memes of the early adopters pretty early adopters can pave the way you should have to be wealthy to end at the date save money through Something Like eb ownership. That is where i think we stand it to gate not just from the policies we have implemented with support from congress and the ira and the infrastructure law. But the kind of research you are describing the great academic institutions will ultimately get us a great return on investment by sometimes discovering some innovation some piece of technology could be an update to battery chemistry could be a more efficient material that could dramatically lower the cost of these kinds of transportation assets or transitions we know we need. Think you youll back mr. Chairman. Copy and serve as chair of the subcommittee and the judiciary on the Administrative State Regulatory Reform and antitrust. You said on cnn i believe that quote the department of transportation is generally not gotten involved in these merger cases. But that is changing today. Was that statement in reference to the jetblue spirit merger . Yes partly. It troubles me somewhat has been on the subcommittee for antitrust and the judiciary because the d. O. J. Already reviewing Airline Mergers to see if that mergers are anticompetitive. It seems like a waste of resources for two agencies to duplicate work. I am worried thats exactly what is happening. Dot and d. O. J. Are going to review the same merger. So, do you think the d. O. J. And ftc are unable to review mergers and protect American Consumers . So of course not the way the division of labor works we have distinct but sometimes overlapping authorities. So assess often the case with different parts of interagency dealing with the same issue we see it to the extent it statutorily appropriate to coordinate. We limited in how i talk about this because this is an open proceeding. But we are trying to do is stand with d. O. J. Align our authorities where they cover the same turf but also recognize with regard to our in my view, too long unused authority around Public Interest that we are also ready to activate those pretty special because depending of the d. O. J. Side goes to disposition it might compel us to take other steps again i do not want to get into the case but depending upon what is appropriate. Do you agree they are the only ones who should be evaluating whether its anticompetitive or not . Do i agree the d. O. J. Question or questions that you both have a 30b did not want to duplicate it. Their main authority and responsibility is to decide if this merger is anticompetitive. You are not seeking to relitigate that are you after their decision . Again, we are trying to work with d. O. J. To the extent that is appropriate. Then we have our own responsibilities that are separate. Though they have a standard for insight competitiveness. What is your standard or principles the limiting principles whether this is in Public Interest . Again let me take care to copy it im not commenting on the open proceeding. But really it follows from what the law calls for. And again there are two sides of this. There is dot responsibilities and authorities with competition policy that are laid out specifically in the law even though they have not been used very much. Then there is also in addition to the clayton there is the Public Interest responsibility that we have that is somewhat distinct and will have to follow a distinct rubric from what is applied in the jurisprudence weve had up until now progress can you give me examples of some things that might run a foul of Public Interest that are not in the domain of d. O. J. s responsibility to determine whether its anticompetitive or consumer welfare benefit . I think if i tried to get into hypotheticals it would be at risk as being perceived as a prejudice in this case. What i will say as though law is written differently with regard to our competition authorities creating an overlapping not identical. But also not parallel authority. The reason of questions hears about three decades since somebody has said a Statement Like yours that leads us to believe might be re litigating her some things d. O. J. Is doing. I am looking for the limiting principles. Ask again, i do not want to make case law on the fly here. But we have a responsibility to review the Public Interest associated with these Competitive Dynamics that was handed entrusted to our department. Its basically a condition of deregulation. At the time of deet regulations pronounce we go into the future with dozens if not more than 100 competitive major airlines. As you know we are depending how you count, four or five. Out of alignment with what was expected as an outcome or regulation. Wrote quick question. Tesla spent billions of dollars under charging infrastructure another government says they are going to do the same thing. What is going to cost the government to do this . Doesnt a dis incentivize private investment in the government comes along and says we are going to create these chargers what incentive does tessa have to do it anymore . And when will there be enough charging stations nationally no family will again be prohibited access from one of these chargers due to a cabinet members promotional tour . Whats good about teslas decision there opening their chargers to be available to other vehicles to we welcome that. But even that built infrastructure alone of tesla which is remarkable is not on its own enough to meet the charging demands for the simple question 7. 5 billion going against the school as provided by. The other thing i would point to is there will be gaps in areas that might not be profitable yet for a company to install the charger. I would point here to rural areas are low income areas as an example. We want to make sure we accelerate that process. That is why we think its appropriate and important to introduce to speed up that process. Alongside the private sector dollars. Its going to be a race getting to 5 30 thousand chargers the president envisioned by the end of the decade will required with those installed without federal subsidies to move at a really fast clip. My time has expired i dont think there should be a race between government and private enterprise because its not a race between us we are racing in the same direction. I yield back. The legend. [laughter] thank you mr. Chair. [laughter] secretary at buttigieg if i get to my questions i wanted to commend you and the Biden Administration for the bipartisan infrastructure law finding out the door quickly certainly in the bipartisan infrastructure law represents the largest federal investment in infrastructure and many decades. This has translated to over 500 million throughout the central coast. Airports in my district have received more than 19. 5 million to the federal aviation administration. I riesling had the opportunity to tour some airports in my district to highlight this funding and all the funding will be able to achieve. They have shared with me thisll thiswill make certainly a big difference. We have highlighted significant challenges for ever chemicals and pollution. As a result i recently introduced two bills and that helping airports successfully transition from old Firefighting Foam containing this to alternative products that will be much safer for our environment and First Responders. I have a twopart question. What role of the department of transportation play in helping airports successfully transition to the new product . And what can congress do to help . X thanks for the question. This is a very important issue here about in so many communities. Ellie encourages airports to transition her firefighting materials that contain earlier this year end may they published aircraft Firefighting Foam transition plan to sure and develop did a lot of work with critical stakeholders and formed a working group with the National Transition plan for part 139 certified airports. Were also going to continue working with dod which has its own efforts with this. Were going to share at the Airport Operators in the best practices we develop on that side. And to help the rescue and firefighting personnel training handout video depicting tactics and techniques for utilizing these materials. The second question we welcome any help from congress in addressing this issue. It is something that is needed it is urged that its a change in how firefighting has been handled in the aviation facilities. Thank you. Omb issued revised guidelines or guidance on that limitation built america by america. I appreciate omb followed the law and concerns raised by me and many of my colleagues to ensure guidance will not hinder any shovel ready projects. The compliance date is fast approaching us all projects have to be completed by october 23. Could you talk about how dot is working to implement the provisions and working to ensure guidance is pertinent to deities and other partners to ensure a seamless transition and ensure we prevent delays and confusion on the ground . Thanks, we want to make sure there is clear consistence predictable information when it comes to built america, by america provisions. What we have been focused on is reviewing the general applicability wavers the not product specific. Some have been around for decades without being early reviewed. And also look at more specific cases that come up that vary by industry. Regard to chargers and fabric that are highly issued built america by america limitation plan and then on july issued q a to get information to project sponsors facing these issues right now. We also in august did issue Public Interest waiver for small grants trying to balance a very important policy with common sense. As the omb guidance you mentioned with the Effective Date of october 23 of this year. And it omb states updated Guidance Memorandum prior to the Effective Dates. Date. That will come from omb but the federal Highway Administration will use the guidance to make sure we push that in her own queue and a are project sponsors get the information they need how it affects anything that touches federal highway. Thank you out forward to oweo coming to my district. I have asked many times i know you will find some time to come in the near future. But that mr. Chair i yield back. Thank you. The chair recognizes mr. Webster. Execute mr. Chairman. Mr. Secretary, if we continue on with what mr. Massie was talking about with the jetblue spirits merger, and march of my colleagues all of my colleagues in florida and i sent you a letter and to the attorney general urging you to approve jetblue spirits merger. Since that time you have made some public statements that have been complimentary towards the d. O. J. And challenge. In florida it jetblue is legally binding and made commitment to the Florida Attorney general to grow flights of this combined airline. Current employee numbers also be retained in 1500 jobs currently outsourced to become florida jobs please be mindful with the most overlap of the two carriers is overwhelmingly supportive of the agreement of the merger . You have any comments or key make comments on the pending matter . And be careful and commenting about it is an open process. What i would emphasize us anytime we consider how to apply our competition authorities and aviation. Its making sure we are preventing unfair methods of competition and we are benefiting the Public Interest. Whether we are following airfare themselves, or whether we are talking with the customer experience. Its critically important especially in industry a lot of factors that make it different from an easy textbook market. There be strong regulatory attention. All of which make it harder to be fair competition. We are not rooting for or against any company we are always happy to see the american aviation sector thrive and its employees thrive. Went to make sure were doing our job as a watchdog so no unfair methods or interests. Im sorry to not get more specific you want to be cautious here. It is extremely timeconsuming from the state of florida perspective. Even if estate was awarded the agreement would take over a year end sometimes up to 18 months. To date florida dot has entered into two agreements. Two of the seven they were approved for. No word when they were going to receive a money pit how can dot make it more efficient and costeffective for states . Thanks for the question. When the shortening timeline state dot that got an award in the Discretionary Program from the ribboncutting of that project. Our aim is not only what we generally do that is compliant with all federal requirements. Establishing that in the first place. We recognize a responsibility more userfriendly processes to try to take steps and hours out of the process. Does not undercut any needs to get all stuck. More generally have commitment to continue working on that. We want to continue working on that just as much as anybody. Possibly eliminating discretionary grant process and the firm let funding of some sort . Think there is a good reason why congress has two different tracks the form of the funds that go out by mathematical rubric to the states discretionary funds that allow us to weight considerations the applicants can bring forward that maybe dont show up and the math. Dont get me wrong we have a very methodical approach to objective criteria to do that. Many are oversubscribed by 10 one. The difficult work of identifying the winners what to make sure were doing great by the qualitative as well as quantitative picnics thank you the gentlest time has expired. Thank you very much chairman paid mr. Secretary thank you and thank you for your leadership and making sure the historic investments under the bipartisan infrastructure law reach communities across arizona. Every corner of arizonas benefiting from these invest. My district is no exception. More than 220 million have been allocated to reconstruct and expand the eye 10 broadway curb fruit or the most heavily trafficked sections of freeway in the region. This project runs right through my district will enhance safety, reduce travel times, increase access to our largest employers and support our growing population. Sky harbor airport 194 milliondollar investment is underway for new taxiway to help us grow smarter is for runways. Thats white matter matters so much. The can i get this done. There still more work to be done. Federal support if they are to become a reality. One is the expansion of i10 in arizona. Arizona has invested wisely and widening the eye 10 it is a major artery for passenger and freight traffic in southern United States freight while a majority has widened one gap i doubt it would surprise any of us the improved portions of i10 at the reservation reservation for decades tribal governments have not been treating transportation programs. Adding an interchange is vital to improve safety, provide direct access to the indian communities and Government Services at hospital and accelerate response times for emergency services. Want bottlenecks or accidents closed or otherwise restrict traffic. The River Community and the state of arizona have formed a unique partnership to plan, design and a widen this last section connect the community to this vital economic artery. I am not aware of any other joint tribal state Partnership Like this anywhere in the country that addresses an Infrastructure Project in such a collaborative way. Significant nonfederal resources have not committed to this project simply cannot do it alone for it federal assistance is required to make it a reality assistance that directly benefits and historically Disadvantaged Community helps fulfill the commitment to direct 40 of the infrastructure dollars to historically disadvantaged communities like he let river. It leads to my question few mr. Secretary can you tell me how the department is considering the president justice 40 initiative as it considers projects such as this one that directly benefits the committee for infrastructure. Thank you for the question as heard from you and from the Indian Community about the importance the justice 40 principles we will be right by those overt burden and underserved communities that often stand to benefit the most in terms of safety as well as economic outcomes from good infrastructure. That is certainly something we have sought to be as transparent as we can in terms about how it is incorporated in the notice of any opportunities. Project sponsors understand how to put their best case forward. If the justice criteria helps them make their case with certain welcome mat and look for that in the process. The recently passed reauthorization bill passed by this house unanimously in a bipartisan way include a drone infrastructure inspection grant act safely inspect important infrastructure around the United States. We want to do more with drone inspections. We dont want it caught up in red tape. Mr. Secretary can you commit today to the committee the faa will take action to enable low risk high value drone infrastructure inspections consistent with the faa Safety Environmental goals for quick sale commit to speaking to the faa about how to make sure that process is prompt with her responsibilities. Without holding back innovations. Is a former mayor give me your thoughts about how this committee can better provide state, local tribal governments of the resources and trained professionals to operate infrastructure inspection drone fleet like what will be accomplished by the drone infrastructure inspection grant act . Ive had the pleasure of visiting some projects that are training the next generation and capable of operating and sometimes in building and maintaining drones. We need to double down on that. That is a legitimate to the extent statutorily authorized that is a very philosophical legitimate use of transportation dollars and would welcome a chance to work with you to specify more resources to go toward that purpose. Thank you mr. Secretary i yield a backer cooks a chair now recognizes mr. Graves thank you. Think it mr. Chair mr. Secretary thank you are bigger appreciate spending time with us today. I understand my colleagues have grilled you on criteria and i dt all and going to say its really, really important. As we discussed in pass the criteria that advances the department of transportation to the Traffic Solutions that need to be the priority of the criteria used of concern there is new criteria been introduced thats outside of the confines of the law that distorts what received 17 of the grants under the Discretionary Programs. And obviously that figure is very high. I am concerned about the direction or just how the lack of criteria or a lack of specificity allows for a distortion in terms of where some of these grants go. But more importantly because youve covered a bit of this today, mr. Secretary i wanted to talk to you about a similar related topic. My home state of louisiana we are out here trying to build Infrastructure Projects and like many states right now youve talked about this the underinvestment in infrastructure thats happened for decades and decades. We, in the last five years or so have been able to pull in some dollars on projects have been neglected for decades. One really important practice as a corps of engineers project outside your purview but it is an Important Message or that project cost 42 million to 970. Every other project down just outside new orleans called the westshore project out from seven or 60 million two 3. 7 billion. My point here is when you look at everything done under this administration weathers the American Rescue plan is nearly 2 billion he chips asked hundreds of billions of dollars a laudable goal on that case became way too expensive and soy things added to the Inflation Reduction Act that got way out of bounds distorting economics regards to Energy Investment we are now seeing 40 Higher Energy costs for americans. Which one am i missing . Ira, chips, arp, and one of your favorites. And i heard during debate and being signed into law these people celebrating the increase of investment. Mr. Secretary of project costs or tripling as in two cases of the projects youre building right now. I did not cherry pick those are the projects. I can go through and find it probably 10 transportation projects and more than doubled this is not me cherry picking either. It is hard for me too understand how this is a win with all the others investments made spend sg trillions and tellings of dollars that devalued the dollar that have contributed to energy costs going up. Now we cannot build the way were building before but the way i look at any perceived increase is actually a decrease based on what were seeing at home. Im curious if you can reflect and that of what youre seeing across the country . First of all the reality of the increase in project cost is real. It is a concern for the main threats to the successful implementation of this building something we think about every day. I would challenge the view anything we do to invest in productive capacity of this country is necessary inflation i would suggest on the contrary. One of things that creates Inflationary Pressure is sometimes a bottleneck or deficiency in a built infrastructure they could only be addressed with good investment. We talked about the attention to bridges or Rail Infrastructure something part of the return on investment in the form of reducing some bottlenecks that can affect contribute to Inflationary Pressures. I agree with you. [inaudible] i agree i do not want to be perceived as saying we should not make investments because its going to cause inflation. Please do not interpret it that way. Once a ferrari but he drives a chevrolet. Some cases you got to prioritize. I make sure you are truly spending what is appropriate in your prioritize in the dollars. I have just a little bit of time left Something Else i know you and i share concerns with is the faa reducing number of safety issues a 20 leader leadership vacant. I appreciate you and i have and i have discussed of a nominee. Just curious if you could perhaps quickly reflect on the vacancies in the top positions . Whats the most important way to address that of course is a swift confirmation of her nomination. Most listener confirm positions. Excuse me question. Most these are not confirm position projects sometimes and acting capacities we have the confirm position which ought to have a hand shape in the leadership team. But just to because theres no empty chairs of the work is getting done. Ive the same time would benefit from having confirmed permit people on each of their roles we hope to have more announcements soon on them. In addition to the top group up there we are concerned but make it to refill the rank and file positions of the air Traffic Controllers which one of the reasons are very hopeful that she broke can avoid a shutdown to stop her trading. Afford to continue discussions thank you. Thank you server the chair now recognizes. Think it mr. Chairman mr. Secretary good to see you again pray thank you for being here. I want to thank you for being what i consider an incredible partner passage and implementation of historic investments and for structural law. Their vital intricate funding out into our community and to finally take action to recoup repair the public infrastructure. One i could pick from i could have is a federal Transit Administration and the rapid system or dart in my district. 103 million grant will allow dart to modernize the bus fleet replacing 186 of the oldest buses its a big deal for our community but these investments were made possible we are hoping dart and other transit agencies in our community modernize and upgrade their services to keep our cities healthier and thriving for generations to come. I want to thank you and your agency for work with congress implement the funding of this historic investment. And i want to discuss a project i think has great economic and connectivity benefits for my state. Highspeed rail next in dallas, fort worth and houston. I was glad to have your support earlier in this hearing. I would like to give you an opportunity if you would to expand on the benefits your department i believe these projects can bring to the country. Thanks for the question put them in our congratulations to dart i knew her district on successfully competing and winning that grant your strong advocate for those funds to be put to use there. When it comes to highspeed rail we see benefits in terms of Economic Development safety and i think that there are many geographies from the u. S. That are suited to disappeared of a call yet im not commenting on any application process. When you consider out texas has Population Centers and major Global Cities not that far away from each other you can see theres a compelling use case Passenger Rail in general and highspeed rail in particular. Unrepentant opportunity to speak with and meet some people involved in the technology to be put to use in the proposal. And as i believe in highspeed rail certainly will in the texas case for Many Americans seeing would be believing and experiencing that value being created on their soil would creep that much more appetite to further develop a Genuine National highspeed rail the future progress i agree i want to point out for folks this line would connect fourth largest metro area with the fifth largest metro area, to ares account for about half the population state of texas in about half the economic output of the state of texas. They are predicted to grow by nearly 50 by 2045. We have to provide more options for getting around. But also be reliable, safer, faster in most cases than if you mentioned environmentally friendly. I think the time for investments kind of projects is now. If you recall House Democrats in 2021 provided 10 billion in funding for highspeed rail projects. I just wonder how could he work with your department to ensure we are providing sufficient levels of funding of these projects as we continue to implement . Provided especially through the federal state partnership the memes to introduce highspeed rail or accelerated in places where we dont have it. It did not though honestly contained enough funding for full national highspeed rail network for this a lot of work we have to do take care but weve got in our nation wide freight and passenger. I believe there are the memes within i iga to fund more than one highspeed rail project with this authorization in the five fiveyear life of this bill. I think the success of those projects will be an important part of how future potential investments can be justified. In the time i have left American Airlines and Southwest Airlines in my area. When i have to do notes how critical it is that we continue to make progress addressing the shortage of air Traffic Controllers. I want to thank you for your work in that regard in your departments work in that regard. Im just stressed how critically important it is we get the faa reauthorization across the finish line and avoid what would be a disastrous shutdown. Record save my area thousands of jobs relying on it. Leo back too. Thank you the chair now record clicks thank you chairman. Mr. Secretary welcome. Are you familiar with the william j you Faa Technical Center in southern new jersey . Yes i have not had the opportunity to visit but certainly aware of it progress i do hope you visit sometime. s Technical Centers critical to National Security. Supports are National Airspace and Traffic Control systems but also conducts classified research. Recently toured it again with the blocks not millions but billions of Cyber Attacks every single day. Most are china owns a large campus includes Atlantic City International Airport. Deeply housed thousands up to 60000 Illegal Immigrants 50000 residents. In august the department of Homeland Security recommended the Atlantic City airport be used to house up to 60000 immigrants from new york city. First of all the Atlantic City airport is an unacceptable place to house these people. There are no services or infrastructure at the airport that could possibly support this. Logistically it is a poor concept. The Atlantic City airport is surrounded by facilities critical to National Security besides the Technical Center 177th Air National Guard uses the airport to defend washington d. C. And new york city from attack the first offense rapid response. These facilities cannot be compromised. Atlantic city airport was recommended for migrant housing because it is part of the federal faa campus. It is federal. Decisions about the use of this property mr. Secretary ultimately fall to the department of transportation. This is your responsibility. Question, was at the department of transportation consulted in the process of dhs recommended the Atlantic City airport as it migrant housing site . I would have to check the record on that part what i would tell you is generally a recommendation is not the same thing as an outcome or a policy. So developing a list of potential sites is not necessarily something that is it within faa authority and the ultimate clearance of Something Like a non aviation use on airfield was something that would have to come through faa channels because they understand that but scared the daylights out of people with the city of 9 Million People is having trouble dealing with all of this how would a town a semite rural town of 50000 people do . It was on the list as some others were on the list but concerns us greatly i would appreciate if you look into it i would appreciate if you get back with me progress we will make sure to do so. Im going to ask a commitment hope you can make that you would not allow the artman of home and security to use this facility for that purpose. I do not oversee the department of Homeland Security you still have our commitment all faa facilities and any facility under our jurisdiction will always be secure. I hope so. I hope that once we resolve this in fact we can move on to strengthening americans Aviation System. United states of america is at a Pivotal Moment for aviation our infrastructure is on the brink of failure in many cases with thousands of flight delays, dozens of near misses every year. In january unprecedenteds 911 we had to ground all flights for the first time. Im seriously concerned we need to do better. Also in my travels visited one of the Traffic Control towers at Atlantic City airport. I think its finally going to be replaced. Interesting to me all the money we spend on things youre still using floppy disk via 1993. That is unconscionable. We have to have the best air Traffic Control system in the world. We have had the best airports in the world this is the United States of america. Can you identify steps you are taking to improve our Aviation System for safety and efficiency to the traveler experience secondly into new Technology Third . Absolutely. I really appreciate the question but let me break it out as quickly as i can. With regard to traveler experience we have overseen for passenger rights in the deck at just over a year ago it not one of the top 10 airlines guaranteed in writing you got stuck youd be guaranteed hotel accommodation, meals, voucher or anything like that. Now nearly all of them do we have secured or encouraged with our Enforcement Actions leveraging 2. 5 billion in refunds giving passengers for things like not having to pay extra when youre sitting next your kids. With regard to the physical infrastructure we are putting funds to work. But like you i am concerned about the state of play on terms of the progress towards modernization and the adoption of technologies in the faa. Dont think i think is harder than a multibilliondollar it project is a multibillion Public Sector it project. That is admitted to. In general and same has expired. Thank you chairman please look into the faa thank you. I asked thank you chairman and thank you secretary buttigieg for taking the time to come over and testify and ensure the work youre doing with us today. I know to date we have seen infrastructural law funding being announced. That money is headed to kansas of more than 228 specific projects identified for funding. That includes more than 10 million hope the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority transition to electric buses that are going to lead to cleaner and healthier healthiern for the entire kansas city metro area. Youve seen some of that in person. And since the law passed 1. 4 billion have been allocated for transportation in kansas for roads, bridges, Public Transit, airports, and then another one third 94 million has been announced for clean water. Our state, the state of kansas has received 4051. 7 million to connect everyone in the state including rural parts of the kansas to reliable highspeed internet. Thats more than 118,000 kansas households that are already saving because of their internet bill being lowered into the bipartisan infrastructure bill. I mean hes a real savings for kansas families. Particular for folks working hard to manage their budget. There is also a whole new world we saw this because of the pandemic of our hospitals and healthcare leaning into things like telemedicine. And our entrepreneurs trying to get their businesses up and going. But i do think when we look back, when history is written about this time and we examined the long term impact the bipartisan infrastructure laws going to be judged on some of the significant federal investments paper to click when it comes to transportation infrastructure and im not just saying that because im infrastructure nerd. I am saying it because we know its not just dollars and since we are talking about. So first of course i want to say thank you we heard about a number of different projects, grants in particular for those in kansas that are getting into communities to overland park. I am hoping to hear a little bit about how you are viewing that disbursement process . The bread and butter is going to be in the implementation. Im hoping to glean a bit about how thats going. Its at the heart of what we think about every day. Youre trying to build good things well. Promptly it will meeting the policy and legal requirements attached to these projects. One way to think of it is of our first year was up about bill passing the second is about programs launching. This is about money moving so we get the dirt flying bird thats were focused on the third and fourth year. We are working to strike the right bouncer to make sure the progress is rigorous enough and have the right kind of oversight including our direct oversight, oversight from our Inspector General and of course oversight from congress. I think same time not adding additions and complications it slows us down not unusual to take a year just for an award announcement to a Grant Agreement that is just one step in getting a project done. Went to compress that timeline without leaving out important steps were off to a good start. Im pleased to see the way project sponsors have rallied to be ready for the dollars coming their way. But we are also putting dedicated staff time and attention how to work with this project sponsors identify issues as they come up or provide Technical Assistance for navigating our own processes to make the process is simpler in the first place. I appreciate particularly the acknowledgment having to get the program stood up and also that we need to get these projects moving as quickly as possible. And we have now entered into that phase of efficiently and effectively getting the disbursement of funds. The last thing i wanted to touch on before you leave in my last few seconds there is an issue i know i have brought up suddenly with you before. It relates the bipartisan infrastructural allocating a billion dollars the maintenance acquisition of aviation navigation aids for small and mediumsized airports that depend on these technologies for managing air traffic. They are operating there are plenty of them operating well beyond their expected useful life and parts are becoming difficult to source. These assistance need to be updated across the country. I am flagging it because i would love for us to continue to look at this and make sure we are committed to keeping our airspace the safest in the world. Any faa leadership once that process runs through, we would love to make sure our offices are working together on getting these updated thanks. Thank you am looking forward to work with your office on that. Thank you, mr. Secretary the chair not recognizes goodness tonguetied. The chair now recognizes. Fix thank you, mr. Chairman, undersecretary its good to see you. As you know infrastructure jobs act expand discretionary Grant Funding by 500 as you and i discussed on recent phone call our per capita basis indiana ranks dead last and be able to secure discretionary grants. Rate when i say dead last i mean we are behind tens of hundreds of billions of dollars in foregone projects to improve communities across the entire state. Thank you, yes we want to make sure every state including indiana the district where we spent the majority of my life gets a fair shake in his processes. We welcome these to work with project sponsors did not make a cut on how to refine for future rounds. Victim of a cyber attack that copyrights personally identifiable information into and 37000 current or former federal employees. At a june briefing with a cal in a race specific about the dot cyber and modernization plan involves funding and staffing needs. Provide the information but yet over 90 days later we have not yet received it. Can you commit to modernization plan budget request for Additional Resources and update on the response of this breach quick cyber activities with regard to the budget side will be contemplated within the president s budget request. As far as an update will work to get the information you need not just the response that incidents but the outlook moving forward. Correct thank you mr. Secretary. Turning to another topic you helped run the supply Chain Disruption task force is that right . Yes im a member of that. Great. Lets talk about trucks with whole shipping containers between ports, rail guards distribution centers. Its fair to say is part of the linchpin of our nation supply chain to generally agree with that . Consume to flag something for you that seems like a major supply Chain Disruption that is brewing. Beginning generally first of 2024 would have let me ask you coming zero Mission Class have an eight tractor trailers or excuse me tractor trucks and terminal tractors without the road statewide in california at the end of 2022 . Very new technology. Will not see him deployed yet for. Hundred 82 registered the entire state and theyre all electric. The ports of l. A. And long beach to of american busiest ports require thousands of trucks to move products through our supply chain. Official in the port estimates 1500 2000 trucks serving l. A. long beach or retired every year. 192 class seven trucks across the entire state of california do you think all 1500 2000 trucks will be able to replace electric vehicles next year . Acts as a department would not create a formal assessment of whether the industry will meet the compliance of timeline set forth. Represents an aggressive transgression we have been a dialogue with the port directors the effort to comply there. I do think theres great opportunity for the case in the context because you often have a predictable defined relatively short runs. But that does not meet all the technology is immediately available at something that we are monitoring that we do not have direct authority to tell the state what to do in that regard provokes the federal government may not have direct authority to tell the state what to do, this california mandate to move to zero emissions vehicles is a mandate that was enabled by a waiver from the Biden Administration. You support that waiver . We certainly stand by any regulatory action to be taken in this regard. Of we allow them to continue down that path the truck simply are not available how does that help enable the supply chain that my constituents depend on . Accounting of a formal assessment to how its going. I know its going to require aggressive action. I also know was going to lead to fewer cases of asthma in and around the port communities an addition to the other benefits that will come from that reduction in pollution. Certainly there is an important policy goal at stake here. We will do everything we can to support it being compatible with another important policy goal which is smooth and effective supply chain to the u. S. Thank you, mr. Chairman i iyield back in. Thank you chair now recognizes mr. Garcia. Thank you chairman and Ranking Member, secretary buddha judge great to have you here as we approach the twoyear mark of a passage and as you have rightly pointed out the potential of the decades definition of improving our infrastructure across the country. Im proud to say we are already seeing some of the benefits coming to places like chicagoland. Including federal dollars to complete the Chicago Transit Authority redline extension that was first promised to the far south side of chicago in 1969 when i was in seventh grade at money for a real grade separation project it brings me to my first question the department of transportation announced its proposed rulemaking to modernize this advantage Business Enterprise or dbe airport concession regulation during the summer of 2022 however, the proposed rulemaking has not yet been finalized roles that can make a Small Business from womenowned businesses long excluded from the federal bidding process as we undertake the great adventure when will the rulemaking and dbes become final we await your the. Thank you i assure you so when mike this is an important policy and represents the most competitive changes for the dv program. Make it easier for eligible firms to become and remain certified and eligible participants moving closer to nationwide reciprocity. Some will finalize and share the good news from her ready what additional steps is does participated in structured projects and with the department of transportation create Technical Assistance programs for Small Business in the Construction Industry that focuses on industrys unique needs. A couple of things that will be helpful one with transparency and predictability of the flow of the projects as they emerge in one thing that keeps incumbent firms to box out competition is a level of knowledge that should be transparent to all small and disadvantage utilization focuses on their roadshow of connection Marketplace Events to make the right connection avoid the workers coming from your body like the cta and the db that can be participating were being very intentional in working across the inner agencies to support this. I hosted the sba leadership in the in dba leadership knowing that there are different departments in dba is in commerce and sba is independent but we have a single and we should participate in the same events reaching the same dbe community with the wonderful opportunities emerging. The manual Traffic Control devices, as you know influences street design across the country, the m utc d has not been updated since 2009 updating it can help improve the cyclist safety, advanced complete streets and promote the use of Public Transit. Many improvements have been suggested to make the vision a reality and earlier the should the federal highway missed its deadline to release a new edition of the handbook. Why was the deadline missed and what is the new timeline for the updated manual and what are the major structural changes we can encourage a vibrant street. Provides a national standard. M utc d can almost have the force of law even though its not a design guide. We recognize the importance of the m utc the importance of the update and the update is a complex piece of work and sense making the notice of a proposed amendment we received 35000 comments federal highway has worked promptly but judiciously to take all of the comments on board hoping we can get that issued as quickly as possible and get to a more regular cadence of update instead of waiting between 2009 and now were in accordance with the requirement in the ii ja which calls for a four year cycle of update. Thank you secretary i yield back. The chair recognizes. Thank you for being here this morning and this afternoon staffing shortages are disproportionately affected new york city airports to new york tres con is a key facility that directs planes in and out of the new york city area it is stopped at 54 of the 2014 levels. This past friday the faa announced Inflight Service requirements at the area airports throughout october of 2024. Do you consider safety and maintaining normal operation under foremost job of transportation secretary. In that order safety and then a close second smooth operation. What is your plan for hiring and training enough air Traffic Controller for current and future demand. We recognize a clear gap that did not grow overnight to have any controllers we have available and how many we think we should have. Matter of fact we have trued up our estimates of the size of the gap and place it over 3000. The good news we have 2600 airTraffic Controllers in the pipeline right now this year we sat and met her goal of hiring 1500 the budget request for the coming fiscal year would be another 1800. Of course there is attrition draining the bucket so to speak just as we are filling it, were finally getting ahead but a shutdown would stop us in our tracks because it would shut down air Traffic Control training and many reasons we think its so important to keep things up and running. I agree we should keep it up and running. 26 airTraffic Controllers in the pipeline. What does the pipeline actually mean. That means the training process at the academy at the oklahoma city. Becoming qualified to work it airtraffic and controls the facility one is complex and important as 90 requires additional certification in the specific airspace with onthejob training. My understanding of the consequences of the shutdown, onthejob training would stop to pick up or not a fully qualified status they would be pulled out of the towers unable to build the exchange. You mentioned nutrition have any airTraffic Control did you lose in 2022. We are finally getting to where were adding where they were losing but not by much. Out of the 2600 that does not mean all 2600 of the individuals will be airTraffic Controllers. Its like the new York City Police department if you get a new may knock it out. Have there been any discussions about temporarily redesigning controllers from the less impactful facilities to provide relief at new york tres con. I would have to check on specifically with regard to the truck on. In other approaches to the extent possible under work rules to alleviate that. Let me make clear the staffing level at the n90 tres con is unacceptable. We will allow anything in terms of the pressure that thats putting on the people that are there and on smooth operations there clearly needs to be a map. Is one of the reasons theres no fa reauthorization i thought strongly to make sure those individuals were not leaving the facility and reassigned to pittsburgh. How do you plan to direct the 2600 individuals on the pipeline and half of them make it through i dont know what the numbers are not bring people through the training and become airTraffic Controllers county direct with the most need similar to ones like trey,. Not just what you get at the academy but the qualifies and prepares you to work and accomplish challenging and dynamic airspace thats why we view it for faa reauthorization. An administrator confirm so he can lead the process of regular controllers off. We touch on hiring and reassigning one action the faa is taking to maximize capacity at the new york tres con the term used is unacceptable. What actions decide the rehiring to maximize capacity. You mentioned the waiver which is something that has been a priority for the Airline Operating in the area and we think its reasonable less volume will lead to delays and also assessing how technology can be part of the solution as mentioned earlier. There are number outdated that need modernization that can make everybody involved including controllers more productive and more effective. We need to make sure we back them up with the best technology and staffing levels. We think our plan will do that and has to get funded and avoiding unnecessary politically driven disruptions like the shutdown. Taking mr. Secretary. I will recognize thank you very much mr. Secretary, thank you for your attention to all the details of the bipartisan infrastructure of in the purview of your department. I thank you for visiting New Hampshire for funding for critical priorities will have you back anytime New Hampshire is successful through the race program edge earlier this summer i was with other members of the general sullivan bridge project in dover in 18 structure that has been close for a number of years and will add a wider bike and pedestrian bridge that will connect to Regional Network for moving people but the local economy. Im concerned about delays that were hearing about for this project into a bridge projects in New Hampshire my stat met with u. S. Highway and engine coordinators to talk about the status of the project and pray for the federal highway has completed the reviews as the lead agency but were waiting on signup from others federal and state agency which is causing delays in the project. This is frustrating to folks in New Hampshire, i wondered if you could talk about what you can do as a department as the lead federal agency for some of the projects in places like New Hampshire how do you courtney with other federal agencies and we have a commitment to work with the coast guard and the army corps to make sure the bridge projects can move forward efficiently. Thank you, the short answer is yes were committed to working with that engine any federal agency as we work with any project sponsor to make sure projects are delivered responsibly and properly i want to congratulate them on making through the very competitive process. Were very much accustomed to working with the army corps of engineers as part of the process as the relays come into play. Similarly with the coast guard were no longer part of the dot in an agency that we work with very closely. In this case knowing the permits may not be in the federal highway jurisdiction were prepared to be at the table and engaging anytime we can formally or informally to make things moving to see the benefit of the 20 million as soon as we can responsibly get it done. Take you for your commitment while on the topic of active transportation wetted authorization as part of infrastructure law that created a dedicated program for biking and my community is really hungry for as part of the of ons bill to fund this program i dont wondered if you can give us a status update on where this is and where we might be able to hear grants moving forward. Dozens and dozens of new programs were created through the eye i ja its a great problem to have but our teams have been working in overdrive to get the funding opportunity. Release and the particular note for the transportation Infrastructure Investment program before the calendar year year. Chocolates are important to New Hampshire we use these as a federal match are important projects, we have a surplus that uses 200 million at the end of the last fiscal year that the reason i supported the toll credit marketplace and to understand the Pilot Program should be stood up soon was included in the infrastructure update can you update us that will benefit states that allow them to stretch those dollars even further to be a this is another example for the complex new but establishing mutual credit marketplace and completing the procedural dimension application process is underway we will followup with the office as we anticipated date but will work on the program underway. As infrastructure volvo has not changed we saw an increase in my state significantly over what we have been receiving for highways but the formula is outdated and disadvantages states our neighboring state of vermont, half the population of New Hampshire, fewer lane miles but significantly more highway dollars each and every year. Im wondering if this is something you take into consideration as we think about the discretionary grant opportunities in the infrastructure law and whether or not your open to studying or looking at the highway formula moving forward. Were ready to provide any as congress reassesses the formula in the august redistribution that can put a lot of pressure on states we want to make sure week celebrate so it gets caught in the redistribution of the first phase. We appreciate the hard work with their own team in the state getting through this year. We want to make sure theres equitable use and disbursement of all of the dollars and when massie leads or deficiencies buildup, that is something that is considered in the discretionary grant process project by project. Thank you, mr. Secretary. Their chair recognizes mr. Everett. Thank you for being with us this afternoon and spending so long to answer important questions. The eye i ja spent more federal dollars in many decades for the United States and per structure. Specifically the eye i ja authorizing appropriated 661 billion over five years for the dot programs. More than double for the amount authorizing the Previous Service of transportation of law of the fastback. In preparation for the hearing the committee requested mdot the total amount of eye i ja funding distributed to date geo twos response was not comprehensive in its accounting of distributed eye i ja dollars and in fact differ from previous estimates provided to the committee by dot. Do you agree a simple yes or no in order to effectively monitor funds you should be able to accurately pull the accounting of where the funds been allocated where they have been sent. Absolutely i assure you we take good care that we can contract these dollars we know how complex it can be a simple question when youre tracking this mini project. In the department be trusted to administer hundred billions when it can have clear and concise to the committee of jurisdiction. Take the case were formula dollars go out to the state and the state has met the requirement to have the dollars passed to the state. Traditionally we would not follow the dollars passed whether they were federally compliant but for those dollars to turn into dirt moving the bridges being built we would want to know that the only way to require the information is supposedly ended on the state we do have the authorization to do that we need to follow the funds which was not a fire and forget to create the visibility not just to make it available to the community but the public as you see available to the online tools for project tracking. Given the concerns dot was unable to provide appropriate under comprehensive accounting of iija funds is anyway you can commit to a particular timeframe to provide this committee a full account of iija funds out of it and ask obligated it out late today. Will always provide Accurate Information of the use of dollars in this department and were trying to follow through the hands of non federal agency that theyve gotten into and will do it best to try to understand that. What i can commit to is data that does not belong to us but were trying to make sure without creating onerous requirements that we can follow because we interested to and how the projects are proceeding even if they satisfied the fundamental requirements. It would be an opposition best, and your office or congress to require a reporting from the state in order to get the information to you that this committee requires to do a job. We hit the states with a lot of recording requirements under here to proposal congress add even more lives visibility issues or problems and we would engage the state and potentially this committee on how to make sure we address them without creating undue burden. We think of it as our job but if we need help from congress we will be sure to tell you. One other question a lot of it more close to my district and Important Program in North Carolina as Appalachian Development highway system the ada chest which includes quarter k to complete the final segment. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of the ada chest and the project by quarter k to improve access and mobility for isolated rural populations including what can be damn for Economic Activity in quality of life in rural areas that i represent. We believe connectivity to highways and ultimately to the federal and interstate highway system is an important part of the lifeblood of any economy. When the communities including appalachian communities that have been left out of the level of connectivity winnowing limits opportunity for family and workers for cities and towns and counties and why the ada chest is important and has a high level support from congress and asked to. When you have a connection horizons open it becomes likely people who live in the Rural Communities dont have to fear that the next generation will find an opportunity on the soil that produce them were doing our part to benefit the future of the communities. Thank you, mr. Chair i yield. The chair recognizes. Thank you, chairman good afternoon secretary earlier the general member markets all insinuated the department of transportation was not moving and getting critical money out of the door. Do you agree with that assessment. No but i sure the patients to get off the door and to make sure were doing it right improperly to. Report and safety issue that impacts pedestrians, under the new Car Assessment Program in the national highway Transportation Safety association grants for five safety ratings to the large vehicles because the program focuses only on the safety of those with any vehicle not the vehicles impact those around them. Laughter concerns by proposing an optional pedestrian crash and worthiness test. With fatalities and serious injuries among pedestrians and cyclists skyrocketing by 50 in the past decade is clear the Vehicle Design complete Important Role produce infidelities including driver sightlines and reducing weight and height mr. Secretary debited plans to incorporate industrial craft worthiness into a vehicle final safety rating and what additional steps can i take for cyclists. We know the increased wheezing and roadway deaths has been driven to what happens to pedestrians and cyclists. Our understanding of Vehicle Safety only includes whats inside the vehicle were missing important part of the story and his wife are paying attention had up raid our program to provide additional information. That includes attention to the effective cars design on those outside of the vehicle and this is an upgraded program to provide more information about various things that could lead to improvement in the wake crashers buying spot detection and intervention and aed automatic emergency braking for pedestrians is important we publish a request for, to try to get Public Comment on the crashworthiness to a data driven approach and continue to advance on that. There are other steps like the proposal for a federal standard that could be integrated. Important part or walk ability is an projection investment in cycling and walking infrastructure but also vehicles and were safe but not just with those inside of them at the pedestrians and cyclists who are in danger by then. You talked briefly about the work that they have done on junk fees and air Traffic Controller i want to you expand to junk fees and out of line public will see those impact in the coming year. Thank you for the question we take seriously our authority to make sure the Passenger Experience is a better one and whats frustrating for passengers when you find your stuck with the fee that is not transparent to you and working on several things at once part is the transparency to make sure when you book a thank you and not afterward you get to any and all future charges with your thank you another thing make sure you get your money back if you dont get the service. We require if the flight is canceled you can get your info back. We need to make sure theres companion roles water or prepaid for wifi and wifi does not work you can get your money back on that too. Then there are fees that we think should not be charged in the first place. Not good examples that the idea being charged to sit next to your kids something i was reminded the other day when we were bringing our toddlers back to washington from michigan and making sure People Choose if they want the extra service or that was sitting next to your kids is not about where whistle is important and you should not have to pay for that something we have underway and all of these are going to lead land a better experience but a healthier marketplace for Airline Tickets in america. Between cracking down on the junk fees in improving the hiring i appreciate the work for a better experience of the fine public. Thank you. I yield back. Thank you the chair recognizes himself four questions. Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here really quickly your department oversees national Highway Administration which im sure youre aware the cafe standards for 2017 and 32, youre also likely aware the eta agency is separately proposed overlapping Greenhouse Gas standards. Can you explain the correlation between reagan to enter auto manufacturers that comply with the Greenhouse Gas relation are also compliant to doc. Taken for the question we realize the development of two related but different sets of standards one regard for fuel economy and epa to admission can be complicated for the industry to deal with them for not transparent incarnated as possible inappropriate and were still separate agencies. We work to the extent appropriate incarnation with the epa and the white house. Ill get more specific specific to the dot standards and model year 2732 and decay automakers will pay 10 13 billion in civil police with noncompliant. Will they increase or decrease the vehicle cost for the average american buyer. If there is a failure to comply in a penalty assessed in the automaker puts a penalty on the back of the consumer then the cost will increase and on the other hand the consumer will save money thanks to the reduced gas is doubly fine thanks to the standards and we estimate saving a thousand dollars. Lets assume that we go forward other penalties reinvested by dot in programs that would support more efficient vehicles, pollution reduction in Workforce Development organization to the general fund as essentially an implicit tax on the American People which is the role of congress. Im not in position to speak to that that has not been collected yet but i certainly think partnering with congress ago be appropriate to make sure gets assigned in ways that further the policy goal provided that they dont amount to undercutting the purpose of the penalty in the first place which is to get the automaker to do the right thing and comply so theres no penalty. Would another thing be Profit Sharing with the uaw. We think the autoworkers to get their fair share. You agree that Profit Sharing with uaw is something that is proper. Lets be clear im not at the negotiating table. Neither of us are. With the president s unrealistic projection for electric vehicle sales, 67 by year 2032 affected the possibility of the plant is going to take dollars away from autoworkers. Approximate formula is 1000 per autoworker for a billion dollars and this will take money away from the autoworkers. Is the president aware hes literally taking money away from uaw workers by imputing their bonus. It assumes that the autoworkers will fail to comply with the law ever since the first cafe standard was introducing the Nixon Administration and industry said theres no way we can a possible then 13 and a half Miles Per Hour gallon theres been a push pull to make sure we have the maximum feasible but the industry got it done and today American Consumers have saved billions and billions of dollars and of course we have cleaner air because of the standards and i have a lot of confidence that the industry can continue as they have done to the past. Requiring going from 67 and you mentioned earlier tripling that is up to 7 now and requiring that and a handful of years goes beyond aggressive and into the area of dangers. I appreciate you bringing up pulmonology rose i have my little boys we have a hybrid electric vehicle that we plugin but theres a housing crisis with affordability and right now this will not only affect the Automotive Industry but every average day american base of the president s unrealistic projection, can you explain what is being done in an apartment complex for americans weatherby folk suffering from housing crisis in Northern Michigan or in my district in the southern portion of my district. Making vehicle charging convenient at a reasonable cost where people are paying rent that is high. What do you think is acceptable and what is the dot doing to help make the charger more affordable. Is excellent and its one of the reasons why we have the Community Fueling Infrastructure funding alongside as part of the program. We recognize especially if you have a singlefamily home your to have charging infrastructure and if you have a garage you can plug in there. If at a multifamily dwelling that many lowincome americans are you cannot assume that you have a charging infrastructure. You can also not assume its profitable for company to put it in thats why we are applying the funds we provided by congress to make sure these areas where it does not pencil out for a company to do that were buying out the differences some of the americans who would most benefit in terms of the Family Budget from the savings that comes with filling up electricity instead of gas can access through affordable chargers. One last thing see the electric vehicles dont pay a corresponding user fee with the Highway Trust Fund such as the 18. 4 cents for gasoline how does the cafe reduce collections of the trust fund. I dont believe anything in the dot proposed rulemaking exploiting the electrification for improvements on the nations roads and bridges effectively the rising debt of the federal government will put increased pressure on congress and this committee to fund Infrastructure Improvements to the general fund and that seems to be a major omission in the administration being honest of the roads and bridges dont deteriorate further due to the higher cafe in Greenhouse Gas requirements and pushing the cost of the ev transition on the folks were least able to afford a kitty, and how we can maintain the infrastructure with increased weight and decreased funding for the infrastructure. Ever since cafe standards begin in the Nixon Administration improving the average efficiency of the car pastor taken half Miles Per Hour gallon. Theres been the effect alongside of the money that saves drivers and car owners but it also means americans are paying less for gas their pain less gas tax. We think americans paying less is a good thing and americans paying less gas because are paying more efficient vehicles is a good thing but we recognize there has to be an alternative way to support the Highway Trust Fund, his trickery congress has filled that gap through the general dollars and thats not the only way to do it but its a legitimate way to do it and whats been happening since a gap first opened up. Thank you my time is expired the chairman now recognizes. Take very much, just to pick up on the line of question is there any plan for users of evs to pay the increased cost of the additional wearandtear on the highway the other vehicles because it creates for the highway system. We have not proposed a supplemental fee or cost at the federal level but we recognize different states are approaching different ways including the supplemental Registration Fee for an electric vehicle that will not pay. When you travel around in europe much more and better options, more freedom than when you travel around the u. S. Can be could drive on highways that are well maintained, no bridges collapsing and highspeed rail at three times the speed or airplanes if you dont mind whether maintenance delays to a half hours they kept me sitting on the gate in monday after we boarded the plane so they can fix the problem. Two half hours wouldve got me to chicago on the highspeed trade not to ohare but a highspeed rail. In spain you get a full refund if its more than a few minutes late hard to imagine america. Mr. Secretary why has it taken three years since his administration to fund the highspeed rail, last year you made a commitment of 2 3 geographies and i asked you about last years congressional hearing whats happened since then and why is it moving so slowly. We spent our first years as an administration tried to get the bill passed with your help to make those available in the first place. We spent much of her second year standing up for dozens of programs, many were multimillion dollar programs created by the iija which means throughout the stage of making the first waives of project selection and getting the dollars out the door. There were no projects to stand up to the administration because as early highspeed rail projects ready to go waiting on federal funding. There is a small number that is very real and compelling number of projects that are currently in process for competitive grants that will be announced soon. I dont have news to make today but i tell you the highspeed rail projects are in the mix for the non fed state Partnership Funds and i believe many have a compelling case to make. Seeing is believing you often say that we have to get highspeed so people can see and ride like they have with the rest of the world this is an unbelievably slow moving highspeed rail program. Hope we can speeded up. I was shocked to see boston subsection project inventory. The cost of 3. 5 billion will be obsolete in ten years so why would you choose that overbuilding the northsouth railing make in the northeast quarter all the way from virginia to maine at a cost of 6 billion. Is not necessarily either or learn a bigger set of projects were contemplated. If you do the north south railing you dont need to expand but is not the problem for 100 years. Welcome a chance to get more details from frn and how they approach project selection. A quick question on straight rail we talked about the safety after highprofile jewelry ailments there is a bill flooded around the house and the senate that will put more waste side detectors on the route at a significant cost. This is the 1960s technology. We have an opportunity a transformative opportunity in america to leap all of that and have detectors on every single car suing engineer with no instantaneously if theres any problem, this would be transformative for real safety saving the industry millions and millions of dollars, they have to get the instigation to put this widely Available Technology on their freight car. Why are we doubling down, were adding more 1960s technology when we have wearable devices that can be won by a freight car and solve the problem much more effectively than the future. The conditions for a wearable device or a little bit different than the conditions on the underside of the freight car but we welcome the development of technology that are new more effective and comprehensive into very much welcome the work thats going on on the Railway Safety act and im amazed you were the first member to give specific mention to any of the provisions. We think its wildly important in addition to the work that were doing with the authorities that we have to get more backing and more legislative authority to increase accountability and safety. We have this technology on enter continental Ballistic Missile and space and handle the other side of a freight car. Lets get it done and move the Industry Forward and not just double down on the 1960s technology. Its a quick fix and will not have a meaningful change. Any change better off than where we were but agree going to where the puck is going and trying to make sure were not catching up to technology that might be obsolete. The gentleman yields. Thank you, mr. Chairman i would like to thank you mr. Secretary for being with us today. New york city congestion pricing plan received approval from the federal Highway Administration of june of this year end expected to go into effect early 2024. As im sure you know the approved plan charge commuters many from my district up to 23 just to enter new york city. I was happy to join with my colleagues on this committee as a resolution opposing the pricing plan and is deeply fought, unfair and represents a money grab a new jersey commuters wallows. Why did the fhwa improve this so quickly by findings on a preliminary Environmental Assessment and that environmental harm to new jersey communities in other boroughs. Im not sure i can honestly concur with the characterization of the process as quick. It was held up under the Previous Administration and we inherited it and federal highway spent the entire time up until the summer working through the process to make sure the project met the requirements of the law. To be clear u. S. Dot does not have a policy role in deciding if this is good policy or not that is a state decision and any exchange of revenue between the states is to be negotiated among the states but the federal highway does have a responsibility because of the federal connection that would be the Pilot Program to oversee the new process and probably the only context that ive been urged by all members to have a permitting process take longer instead of having to go quicker. But i can tell you it was thorough. The process included 22000 individual comments that were received and reviewed. With respect this is a gut punch to my constituents and many others within the region and i want to let you know of the great concern in this regard. I respect your perspective and i want to emphasize the vast majority to get to manhattan by transit or benefiting that we do have a direct responsibility. And think youre anticipating my next question if i may. The gateway project benefits not only new jersey but the entire region and country, complacent of the project in increased access into the new york city is years away from the full project been completed. Many of my district and new Jersey Transit commute every day into new york city and are increasingly frustrated with the need to transfer in your pin station were other lines on the benefit of a direct connection into near penn station my bill passes committee in july with the objective studying the benefits of a non transfer option into and out of the city, additionally announced on september 6 by governor murphy the fhwa had additional 425 million in federal transformation dollars to nj dot as part of the federal august redistribution process. , the additional spending will be split with 315 million to nj transit and 110 for nj dot project, the hunter flyover which is key to realizing in the dollars seem appropriate to complete the flyover all along the valley line can i have your commitment to work with me in the nj dot to help to make sure the hunter flyover prioritized so we cannot my constituents and many others across new jersey gain access in the very near future even before the totality of the gateway is completed. Thank you we want to make sure this receives every due consideration and prioritization of welcome opportunity to work with you on that in the gateway effort were broadly we know how important it is to new jersey commuters. Into the entire country and we will continue to work on that with you and if i may on the iija the Work Force Shortage Construction Industry has grown there is Training Programs within a effective workforce, can you talk to me how the dot and h wa is collaborating with Industry Associations and existing programs and other lessons in the program. Taking for the question is a timely one we need to make sure we have workforce ready to deliver on all of the projects and we welcome the challenge is a real challenge. We have engaged not just industry but Community College labor unions and everybody who has a role in preparing the workforce and i would emphasize workforce is often ineligible use of federal highway dollars including formula dollars and sometimes being a factor in her discretionary grants we welcome enthusiastically encourage states to use dollars for that purpose, we know its important as a concrete for getting the projects done. The gentleman yields to mr. Strickland. Thank you, chairman nice to see user contributed judge i wanted take a moment to thank you and your department for all the work to successfully deploy infrastructure especially in Washington State this june i had the pleasure and i want to call out one because i think its a great example the indian tribe in my district with the beneficiary of the driving community Grant Program this is really made to provide Technical Assistance to under resourced and disadvantaged communities. By the way the definitions are not subjective they are faxing data they go to show which Community Fall into the categories. My district using the federal grant funds for a decarbonization working plan that will support transportation facility including the new facility and transportation building ev charging station. The work would not of been possible without the iija in your department strong commitment to equity, modernization and or infrastructure. I want to say thank you. I would like to switch to highspeed rail. The federal state partnership for innercity Passenger Rail Grant Programs provides projects to expand performance or establish an innercity real service to Washington State of transportation has submitted a Grant Application to fra to advance the cascadia ultra highspeed project this will be transformative for the specific northwest the British Columbia the state of washington and the state of oregon were trading at a quarter for a great job for research and technology and agriculture the entire ball of wax in this will be a game changer. What are my questions for you how did your Department Plan to support efforts like this but have a strong case both public and private transportation and how can you help us get it off the ground. Taking for the question were enthusiastic about Passenger Rail and highspeed rail and regional partnerships to work across the state lines or other jurisdictional boundaries to benefit the stuff in the entire region. Ill take care not to comment on anything inactive consideration right now but certainly havent heard or understood the enthusiasm of the potential of the cascadia and the best way i can answer your question was to say were applying the iija dollars as best as we can and introduce as well as restore Passenger Rail routes and we recognize will not have a full nationally highspeed network with this authorization but he gives us the best start weve ever had, introducing places we havent seen it before and when americans experience highspeed rail theyll want more each time the question comes before the body. Absolutely was excited we have multiple jurisdictions supporting this and private Sector Support for this and also understanding when we have the highspeed rail the specific northwest often gets overlooked in the conversation and so we want to make sure youre aware and enthusiastic about this and we need your support. With a little bit of time that i have left i went to switch to the de program in equity federal contracting i know you address the black caucus and i want to highlight again how is your department tracking progress of the requirements from the iija i will say this equity is something that can be measured. The other thing i want to talk about what oversight or enforcement is your Department Going to impose upon state so the living up to the responsibility as well. Thank you for the question. We can track and measure how well were doing and were holding ourselves to rigorous targets starts with their own federal spending. The truth is thats not the majority but billions of dollars and were working to make sure and the contracting directly by the dot is meeting our goals and im pleased to report weve met and exceeded our goals for the utilization with direct federal spending. As you noted so much depends on the state and the basic compliance with title vi but we hope their proactive commitment and the goals of db programs are met. In the right guidance with alternative contracting and they have a participant in the past and to build up the dde business business as well and the updates to the program overall. And we believe very strongly with the economic potential that iija can be met. In this is a conversation of inclusion in investments are benefiting the entire community. And the community that has been shut out to build wealth. Thank you mr. Secretary. I yield back. The gentleman yields. A couple of questions trying to get to some points here. Mayor of south bend did you have operational oversight over the airports . That was a county project. As a ten year mayor were their major highway projects initiated or completed during your tenure there . And it goes to the highway of the city. Is originally 30 yes 81 and were proud to say we got an award from the u. S. Dot. What was the approximate budget the streetscape is 35 million project. I understand and south bend you want to construct a new train station downtown how tobacco. We did not initiate a project to build the train station downtown but something i believed as mayor could benefit the city and we hope someday that could become a reality. In order for it to become a reality there would have to be cooperation from the freight railroads have a lot of rightofway that goes into it and the level of funding at least on my watch was not present at the city level. Im hopeful the leadership and south bend doing a great job and they can enhance real connectivity because they can benefit the community. I did read about the airport in the amtrak station somewhere in the netherlands between downtown. I draw on the experience to think about the transit budget that you managed and south bend and cnn reported as 10,000,000. 47 buses to 90 billion approximately for your department today. Given this experience and having demonstrated a superior work ethic. I was going to ask that you draw attention to the 90 billiondollar budget to properly staff the terminal Radar Approach Control currently is at 54 staffing and you may know this causes a lot of delays on the east coast in and out particularly of the new york city airports the main three and it disrupts air travel. What are you doing to approach that 54 seems quite dangerous. Is not dangerous in terms of safety but i agree its unacceptable we make sure there is adequate staffing to safely manage flight operation. When youre at 54 what happens far more overtime going on and in the worst case if there was a perceived or potential work of safety it could leave to atc staffing that could impact cancellation to delay. Are there Safety Measures for overworking air Traffic Controller. It sounds like everybodys working double shifts. The fatigue requirements are always met. Were largely on the same stage. I would emphasize when you say its not dangerous is that because the flights are being canceled in and out of the new york corridor. Inconvenience. I would love to be able to answer your question. If the staffing level reaches the point where you cannot safely guide the flights to the program, since compromising safety is not an option the only alternative that flights can be disrupted or delayed. Alternative that we have leadership that fulfills the responsibility of manning the operation. Were on the same page. I dont think we are. Your department has a significant shortfall and you dont seem to be bothered by it. Id made very clear. Let me tell you the number one thing that helps us prevent that. There is more to the. Are you suggesting the compromise safety instead. Not whatsoever. You know a lot about safety and a lot more than you. You have a responsibility with the 90 billion budget. I realize thats a stretch with a 10 milliondollar budget of your experience. Thats an inaccurate statement. I would say i know a lot of people from a lot of places. Am i going to get to answer your question. You thank you dodged the question sufficiently. The gentlemans time is expired. Mr. Chairman thank you very much, secretary buttigieg thank you for being here, thank you for being in louisiana, the dot awarded over 70 million to new orleans rta to buy 0 emission vehicles and charging equipment to the bil low and no admissions technology. This is proving to be an incredible thing in this region. And to use microgrids in the event of a disaster. In the First Responders intermediate Disaster Response teams and then used in the Disaster Recovery to supplement the vast network being stood up in my district right now. Tell me mr. Secretary, or what role do you believe the dot d serves in research and development of dynamic Hazard Mitigation Clean Technology and everchanging world were Clean Technology is still needed. We think theres an important federal role i dont want to overstate the importance of the Public Sector relative to the private and academic sector in each part has their role we fund basic research and refund in the safety benefits and the Technology Facilities overseen by the federal highways and we see enormous potential for these technologies to continue to develop to save lives in American Transportation. Additional projects i just want to note 2 million for the cleanup for the Naval Support activity in new orleans 24 million for the new orleans downtown 8 million for the Louis Armstrong International Airport 100 million for the energy to build the first u. S. Manufacturing plant lithium phosphate which would help vastly improve our lithium battery Production One thing that is very important i want to bring your attention when traveling to the river parish and visiting with the mayor and indicated antiquated gas pipes and have been passed over for many, many years and many, many people have come to the town and made promises of being able to do something about it. I took debate i stepped up and said were to do something about it were knocking about the buck continue to be passed. Mr. Secretary im glad that i did and im glad the i told him it turned out to be the truth, we had a President Administration understood the need to right the wrongs that had been in the past and equitable infrastructure in the proud to call and tell them that we delivered on it because of the ability to pass the 1. 2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill. I also appreciate you mentioning pipes and pipelines. We have been able to benefit the safety improvements that are needed on a number of pipes operated by smaller entities that might not be able to do otherwise including one that i was able to visit in new mexico. There are so many communities that did get fair share of federal investment and whats at stake when we talk about equity and justice 40, when we talk about reconnecting communities is to make sure that this time is better and better. I will pause you right there because i was 30 seconds. As you know the clayburn corridor in louisiana is a perfect example of a community that was divided because of interstate that went through a once Thriving Community of africanamerican businesses and Home Ownership totally devastated. I know that we received some planning money to look at that. I just want to continue to put that on your radar screen as to what i believe i would be a perfect example of how United Communities can really work as an example. I talked to a little town of grtna. I will continue to ask for support to protect the neighborhood while recognizing the importance of commercement theres got to be better ways to go around the city instead of through the city. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Host washington journal on september 25. Attempts t