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Watch live: Duffy testifies before House on Transportation budget request

In a significant session before the House, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, often referred to as "Mayor Pete" from his days as mayor of South Bend, Indiana, testified regarding the department’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The hearing, which was broadcast live, provided a platform for Buttigieg to outline the priorities and financial needs of the Department of Transportation (DOT) while addressing concerns and questions from lawmakers about infrastructure, safety, and transportation policy across the nation. This testimony comes at a critical juncture as the country continues to grapple with aging infrastructure, the push for sustainable transportation solutions, and the need to modernize systems to meet the demands of a growing population and evolving economy.

Buttigieg began his testimony by emphasizing the importance of transportation as the backbone of the American economy and a key driver of opportunity for millions of citizens. He highlighted the Biden administration’s commitment to rebuilding and reimagining the nation’s infrastructure through ambitious investments that aim to create jobs, improve safety, and address long-standing inequities in transportation access. A central theme of his remarks was the need for a budget that supports transformative projects while maintaining and upgrading existing systems. He underscored that the DOT’s budget request is not merely a financial ask but a blueprint for a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable transportation future.

One of the primary focuses of Buttigieg’s testimony was the urgent need to address the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. He pointed to bridges, roads, and transit systems that have been neglected for decades, posing risks to public safety and hampering economic growth. He argued that the budget request includes critical funding to repair and modernize these assets, ensuring that they can withstand the challenges of climate change and increased usage. Buttigieg also connected infrastructure investment to job creation, noting that every dollar spent on transportation projects generates employment opportunities for American workers, from construction crews to engineers. He framed this as a dual benefit: improving the nation’s physical landscape while bolstering the economy through well-paying jobs.

In addition to traditional infrastructure, Buttigieg placed significant emphasis on the transition to green and sustainable transportation solutions. He spoke at length about the administration’s goal to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which remains one of the largest contributors to carbon pollution in the United States. The budget request, he explained, includes substantial investments in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, such as the expansion of charging networks across the country to support the growing adoption of EVs. He also highlighted funding for public transit systems, which offer a low-carbon alternative to personal vehicles and help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. Buttigieg stressed that these initiatives are not just about environmental responsibility but also about positioning the United States as a leader in clean energy innovation.

Equity in transportation was another key pillar of Buttigieg’s testimony. He addressed historical disparities in how transportation projects have been planned and implemented, often to the detriment of marginalized communities. He cited examples of highways that were built through predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods, displacing residents and creating long-lasting economic and social harm. To rectify these past wrongs, the DOT’s budget request includes funding for programs aimed at reconnecting communities divided by infrastructure and ensuring that future projects prioritize inclusivity and fairness. Buttigieg emphasized that transportation should be a tool for opportunity, not a barrier, and that the department is committed to working with local leaders and stakeholders to achieve this vision.

Safety also emerged as a critical concern during the hearing. Buttigieg spoke about the alarming rise in traffic fatalities and the need for a comprehensive approach to make roads safer for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. He outlined budget provisions for initiatives like the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which provides grants to local governments to implement safety improvements. He also discussed the importance of leveraging technology, such as advanced driver-assistance systems, to prevent accidents and save lives. Buttigieg made it clear that safety is a non-negotiable priority for the DOT, and the budget reflects a commitment to reducing preventable deaths and injuries on American roadways.

Throughout his testimony, Buttigieg fielded questions from House members on a range of topics, from the specifics of funding allocations to broader policy goals. Lawmakers pressed him on how the DOT plans to balance competing priorities, such as rural versus urban needs, and how it will ensure accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. Buttigieg responded by emphasizing the department’s data-driven approach to decision-making and its commitment to transparency. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with state and local governments, as well as private sector partners, to maximize the impact of federal investments. His answers reflected a deep understanding of the complexities of transportation policy and a determination to address challenges head-on.

Another notable aspect of the testimony was Buttigieg’s discussion of aviation and rail systems. He acknowledged the disruptions faced by air travelers in recent years, including flight delays and cancellations, and outlined budget proposals to strengthen oversight of airlines and improve the passenger experience. On the rail front, he reiterated the administration’s support for expanding high-speed rail networks, which he described as a game-changer for intercity travel and a way to reduce reliance on cars and planes. These initiatives, he argued, are essential for modernizing the nation’s transportation landscape and meeting the needs of a 21st-century economy.

Buttigieg also touched on the role of innovation in shaping the future of transportation. He spoke about the potential of emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and drones, to revolutionize how people and goods move. However, he cautioned that these advancements must be accompanied by robust regulations to ensure safety and protect public interests. The budget request, he noted, includes funding for research and development to explore these technologies while establishing guidelines for their responsible deployment. Buttigieg’s remarks underscored the DOT’s dual role as both a steward of current systems and a forward-thinking agency preparing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

In wrapping up his testimony, Buttigieg reiterated the transformative potential of the DOT’s budget request. He painted a picture of a future where transportation is safer, more accessible, and more sustainable—a future where every American, regardless of where they live or their economic status, can benefit from a world-class system. He urged lawmakers to support the budget as a down payment on that vision, arguing that the costs of inaction far outweigh the investments required today. His closing remarks were a call to action, emphasizing that the decisions made now will shape the nation’s transportation landscape for generations to come.

This hearing provided a comprehensive look at the Department of Transportation’s priorities and the rationale behind its budget request. Buttigieg’s testimony highlighted the interconnectedness of infrastructure, equity, safety, and sustainability, presenting them as inseparable components of a holistic transportation strategy. His ability to articulate the administration’s goals while addressing lawmakers’ concerns demonstrated both policy expertise and a commitment to bipartisan collaboration. As the budget process moves forward, the ideas and funding proposals discussed in this session will likely remain at the forefront of national debates about the future of transportation in the United States. The testimony served as a reminder of the critical role that transportation plays in everyday life and the importance of strategic investments to ensure that it serves as a foundation for progress rather than a source of frustration or inequality.

Read the Full The Hill Article at:
[ https://thehill.com/video-clips/5403493-watch-live-duffy-testifies-before-house-on-transportation-budget-request/ ]