Transcripts For CSPAN3 Transportation Secretary Testifies On Infrastructure Law 20220919

Its northside real grant report project to allow the airport to meet its growing needs. However, as you, know a series of challenges stemming from various departmental requirements have hindered progress, and as a result, the airport is seeking to scale the project to focus solely on the 24 street overpass. Because the obligation date for the grant is approaching, the airport is at risk of losing these critical federal funds. Mister secretary, this project is import to the city of phoenix and sky harbors future growth. Well yuck your Department Support our efforts to extend the period of eligibility for the grant and work with the airport on this modified project . So it does not lose these critical federal funds . Our goal, of course, is for every grant recipient to succeed when funds are awarded. In this case, it was 2019 funding. I believe the issue here had to do with meeting the obligations deadline, with the proposed change in scope they had. But well be happy to follow up and engage or staff to explore anything we can do to be supportive in the context. Really appreciate working closely with you to make sure we retain those critically important federal funds. Arizona is one of the fastestgrowing states in the nation, and we have real transportation needs. To made these demands of our growing population, we must invest in our interstate highways. Interstate ten is a key corridor connecting phoenix and tucson. Yet there is still a large section that is only two lanes, creating traffic bottlenecks for the more than 110,000 vehicles per day that utilize it. And we need new highways to move commerce and people like interstate 11, to link the last few metropolitan areas in the country, phoenix and las vegas, that are not connected by an interstate. Arizona has committed resources to the next phase for the environmental work for interstate 11. It is investing 400 million in interstate ten to expand capacity to address safety concerns, improving the movement of goods in people and to increase access to the gila river indian community. But arizona cannot meet these needs on its own, it doesnt need a strong federal partner. Mister secretary, do you agree that the Mega Grant Program should focus on projects of the size and scope, like the expansion of iten, and construction of 11, that cannot be done by the state alone with its in annual formula dollars . To ensure the government is a full partner on these projects that have impacts on regional and National Mobility and commerce. Thank you. Certainly, the intent of the mega program and our goal in administering it is to ensure that projects that are too large and too complex and their scope can be supported through traditional means, very much too large to be shouldered by a state alone. Make sure they get the federal support to help see them through. So, well taken care, of course, not to prematurely comment on any application, i would certainly say that we intend to be supportive of as many qualifying projects as we can. Knowing that the scales you see with some of these efforts are exactly why was necessary of an additional source of funding, as provided in iija, over and above what weve had to work within the past. Mister secretary, i want to talk about one final issue and that is Passenger Rail service. Phoenixs largest city in the United States without access to Passenger Rail service. As other communities have gained access to a Passenger Rail, they have experience significant new economic opportunity. But my state, unfortunately, has missed out. Im hopeful that will change and there is reason for optimism. Amtrak has proposed connecting arizonas two large in fast growing metropolitan areas, phoenix and tucson, with frequent and reliable Passenger Rail service. Mister secretary, in your opinion, what can we do the best support the tooth on phoenix west valley rail line . Well, the framework that i think will allow us to support efforts like this is the fact that the overall funding for Passenger Rail includes a set of funds that is specifically for looking beyond the northeast corridor. Of course, a lot of the attention is on the northeast corridor. But a lot of the need is elsewhere. So they have issued a framework for a corridor identification and development program. This came out in may. The first project pipeline should be issued within a year, next may. And that would be one of the places that i think would be natural to look, in the context of a federal state partnership that got extraordinarily enhanced funding through the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act. I had the pleasure of arriving by train in flagstaff, can certainly understand why there is a need an appetite for that service further south. Thank you very much, mister secretary. My time is completed so, now, the next up will be congressman babbitt. Thank you chairman, Ranking Member graves, i want to thank you for your time today, mister secretary. Mister secretary, despite the administrations best efforts, oil and gas dont seem to be going anywhere but higher. So, if you really wanted to help americans move and move our transportation goods, i would think that you might want to consider, right now, working with the president to combat high gas prices. Thats number one. And doing something doesnt mean blaming president putin of russia or begging the Saudi Crown Prince for relief or calling the oil and Gas Companies of america evil and stifling their production. However, instead of calling on the president , who is your boss, to do everything in his power to address skyrocketing gas prices, after you prioritize the use of taxpayer dollars to push a message of social justice. Fighting racist highways and equity in transportation. Im struggling to square your priority is with economic realities that were facing in the United States today. You say that communities of color are oppressed by racist roads while, at the same time, youre ignoring the fact that these same people are being disproportionately oppressed by rising gas prices. In fact, its fair to say this administration is directly burdening low income families, since theyre taking the brunt of massive economic challenges that we are facing today. Mister secretary, youve recommended that americans who cannot afford a six dollar gallon of gas should buy an electric vehicle. Im going by the kelley blue book, 55, 000, but even at your statement a while ago at 39, 000, im not sure how you can justify making that ask to folks who can barely provide for their families. Especially black and hispanic households, bringing in an average of 45 and 55, 000, respectively, per year. I want earth with a be able to buy a car that caused almost as much as they make in one year . And i really think that if you want to do something, i think we need somebody serving a secretary that would be laser focused on supporting transportation capabilities and not pushing social agendas in this country. From your position. We have serious issues going on in the United States. Flight cancellations, worker shortages, skyhigh fuel prices, unprecedented supply chain challenges. But unfortunately, i see more headlines about your positions and stances on abortion and on your thoughts on gun rights than i do on plans to improve our transportation and our infrastructure. I think americans want lower gas prices and policies that will end this inflation and this Economic Hardship that we have today. Not a woke social agenda such as a billion dollar Pilot Program that you launched last month to combat, quote, combat racially disconnected roads. Its a billion dollars. Thats a billion dollars right out of the taxpayers money. I think americans know that your administration, the Biden Administration, have mismanaged much of our Natural Resources, or Economic Activities and sound policies. Which has caused this inflation and pushed us to the verge of a recession, which we are teetering on right now. It certainly appears to be a dereliction of duty on the part of many in that administration. To favor foreign nations over our own. Frankly, i dont think the price of gas is an accident. I believe it is part of an agenda, designed to fundamentally change the way our energy and transportation sectors work together. And, unfortunately, that is an agenda that leaves american superiority in the dust. Its an agenda that empowers china and russia in the middle east. And mister secretary, i do have a few questions id like to submit for the record, because were just about out of time. I look forward to your departments response. I want to thank you, again, for being here, i appreciate that. And i think that the American People deserve a lot better than what we are getting right now with our economy. With that, ill yield back. Thank you i will give the secretary a minute. Sure, i just want to address a factual inaccuracy in your question that i think is important. He began by saying that gas prices have only gone up. Hell be relieved to hear that they have gone down every single day for the last several weeks. I believe that is connected to the aggressive actions that the president has taken to reduce gas prices for americans. Of course, we want that price to go lower, it needs to, were all feeling the effects at the pump. Thats why we dont agree with the idea that its okay to let putin off the hook for his activities or to let oil and gas executives off the hook for their stated intention of not increasing production at a time of extraordinary profits. Ive never suggested that it will be easy for all americans to afford electric vehicles, although again i would point to the fact that the first ev i ever had was about 14,000. But we think policy measures can make it more affordable, and we hope that members in this body will reconsider their opposition to making evs cheaper through tax credits. Thank you very much. Next up will be congressman carson. Thank you chairman. And thank you, mister secretary, for participating today. Also, representing the great Hoosier State quite well. Im curious, mister secretary, im very proud to represent beach grove, indiana. Which is one of the most important rail maintenance facilities in the country. And unfortunately, there have been more reports of efforts to, effectively, downsize or outsource maintenance to improve the quality of passenger service. We need to improve amtraks national fleet, no doubt about it. Im certain and i love to hear for the committee to hear your efforts, sir, to continue to support and strengthen the great work that is being done at beach grove. And oppose any efforts to outsource this work. Are there any particular insights or updates you can share, sir . Well, for anything considering the operational outlook for amtrak, and have to refer you to amtrak leadership. But certainly, i recognize the importance of the work that workers at this facility do to keep our trains operating and operating safely. And would welcome any opportunity to work with your office on providing further information about how some of the funding coming toward in traffic from the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act can be applied in ways that will create a lot of work opportunity, as well as a lot of improvements for passengers. Both in terms of the Rolling Stock and maintenance, and then of course in terms of the daytoday service. Yes, sir. We are also looking forward to working with you on our targeted at reach for the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Especially through our congressional caucus brain trust, later in the fall. We want to make sure the historic investments you mentioned reach disadvantaged communities and minority businesses. I know our staff are working together on those details. Secondly and lastly, im very concerned about the worsening problems of black rail crossings, especially in places like downtown indianapolis. Where major intersections have been blocked for hours. Theres a very serious safety concern that really impacts urban and rural areas. I believe there has to be more that needs to be done, statutorily, to address this issue. Mister secretary, do you agree those additional authorities could help alleviate the frequency of blocked crossings . And what more can our committee do to address this issue . Thank you. We would welcome further opportunities to work on the issue of Railroad Crossings, but with the both the effect that happened when theyre blocked in the safety concerns a present. I want to thank you for the support for the infrastructure law, which provides for the Railroad Crossing elimiNation Program. We are hard at work getting those dollars ready, because we know thats going to have a benefit, as youve mentioned, both for rural and urban communities alike. Where people have had that experience of being blocked or delayed by a crossing. But also, in addition of course to the economic inconvenience effects, the simple safety dividend of having fewer such crossings, highway rail grade crossing incidents and trespassing have contributed to 900 deaths in fiscal 2021, the fiscal year 2021 alone. So, we want to do everything we can to prevent train vehicle collisions and to use the resources that we have to create fewer places where those conflict can happen in the first place. And would certainly appreciate continued attention from congress on this. Thank you very much, mister secretary, i yield back, chair. Next up will be congressman graves from louisiana. Thank you mister chairman, mister secretary, thank you for being here. Good to see you again. Mister chairman, excuse me, mister secretary, you and i have spoken in the past about concerns we have had related to highly administration is prioritizing the allocation of grants. You have large programs like raise that have nearly a billion dollars each, i mentioned to you that i had actually written much of the amendment, had negotiate with other members of the amendment that puts in law the right criteria for prioritization. So, when the administration came out that racial equity, Climate Change Environmental Justice and enhancing union opportunities were going to be the driving factors, i had strong concerns because those are things that you are all just deciding our priorities, they are not things that are actually in the law. Then i said, okay, we will wait and see how those grants are allocated and decide if it is a problem or not. Mister secretary, i remind, you i represent south louisiana, we have one of the most at risk states for sea rise, we have one of the highest African American populations in the nation, we are at the bottom of the largest watershed, taking in runoff from montana, new york, canada, and everything that is in that water. I think if you go through and look at your criteria, we should be number one, two, and three. Really up there at the top, but when you are allocating funds under the program i think it was 15 of the money. 15 went to the state of california, you had about 555 million went to blue states, only 350 million went to red states. Under the program, 100 and 62 million went to bike and pedestrian paths, i want to ask you a question. If you look at the Navigation Companies assessments of congestion, most congested areas in america, they said new york was number one, los angeles was number two, miamis number three. Do you have any idea what number four is . I do not. That would be the metropolis of baton rouge, midlouisiana, which puts it ahead of chicago, San Francisco, and a number of other significantly larger places. 62 hours, 62 hours a year time washes sitting in traffic. No one would have expected that that would be the case if you look at the two Grant Programs. One billion dollars each, you would think that with us being the state that should be performing at the top of your criteria, the top of your criteria that i wrote because i am incredibly biased, yet we got one grant. This is what it was, 18 point 5 million to improve fare collection for new orleans transit. It is kind of hard to understand, very hard to reconcile, i tried to understand a better snapshot on google maps traffic, but it is normally dark red, this is the bridge, the only place in america where the interstate funnels down to a single lane, it is not because we innovated and came up with a great idea nobody came and think of. It was idiotic, proof is that we have 62 hours wasted in traffic, here is the last slide, just a picture showing the bridge that looks like a parking lot because people are just sitting there. This is iten, connecting california to florida. I want to ask, how are you prioritizing . How can projects like this not get funded when you are putting money towards bike trails, putting money towards transit systems that got 200 and 63 million under one of the programs, over a quarter of the funds, when we give transit but tens of billions of dollars during the covid relief packages. The highways did not get anything. I guess im just trying to understand, what are we doing and why arent we putting money towards True National priorities that will relieve congestion, reduce emissions, improve time saved in traffic and other things that i think we would share . Our shared priorities are very well served by the things we funded in the program and in the other program, i will acknowledge that for every dollar we were able to give out they were probably about ten that applied. We had a lot of worthy projects, many from your district and your state and from all around the country. They qualified but we were only able to work with the funding that we had. Of course, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act we have more funding than before, which means we will be able to say yes more often. We love nothing more than saying yes to a good project or program. I think if we start ranking how much is going to highways, we would need to include the highway formula funds in that, which is the bulk of the dollars that go to those purposes, and then of course you have things like sea mac that are specifically, by the core of the program, congested to congested mitigation. Although the of, cnf that we were in the 40s on supporting rural communities. I know that for every project we were able to say yes to there are several more that would be disappointing that we could not i will say one of the things we try to do is really make these dollars got around the country, regardless of, certainly regardless of politics and one thing we were proud of is that i think there was a 25 floor for rural context, we did almost unfair, that we were in the 40s on supporting rural communities. I know that for every project we were able to say yes to there are several more that would be disappointing that we could not get the rights. Again, thanks. Ive certainly have time, every shaving, here i look forward following up with you on this and i would like to ask, mister chairman, it is okay, if you could provide the committee with the metrics for how you have measured those four criteria that i mentioned, i would appreciate it. Next up is congresswoman titus. Thank you, mister chairman, thank you, mister secretary. I want you to know that in nevada we share your enthusiasm for the funding that is going into infrastructure. I would just point out a couple of things that we are doing. We have 2. 5 billion dollars for our roads and highways. 225 million to fix our falling down bridges. 100 million for our Nevada Initiative for connecting with the internet. And, 5. 5 million for ev charging stations. That put a lot of people to work, or it well, and, it will help us to grow and develop. We invite you to come out and see any of those projects in the works, we had the highest unemployment in the country at 35 we are recovering that at a rapid rate thanks to investment like this. I hope we will see you in nevada. My question, though, i would like to go back to my colleague from phoenix to talk about intercity Passenger Rail. I just want to be sure i understand how that partnership Grant Program is going to work. So much of the investment in rail goes to the northeast corridor. But, we need to invest in the southwest as well. They need improvement, we need greater availability. So, i want to be sure that this would enable a public and city like nevada to apply for the grants in partnership with the private intercity Passenger Rail company. Second, what is the timing for when that application will occur . And, third, will you help us and work with me to see that regional impacts, as opposed to just a local impact, plays a role in the determination of who gets those grants . Thank you, to take the last question first we certainly want to think about the regional effects and how any given vision for expanding Passenger Rail fits into an overall vision for a first rate Passenger Rail network serving the entire country. I know there is a great deal of interest in this in the region you represents. I want to emphasize that under the annual funding of the partnership, the state and federal partnership that gets 36 billion dollars in advance appropriation over the next five years. That not more than 24 billion can be provided from projects that are in the northeast corridor, we understand and share the goal of congress to make sure that no one region monopolizes the funding. Right now, f r a is working through the applications for fiscal year 2021. The partnership funding. But, later this year we will be able to make the funding available for the fiscal year 2022 they issued just a few weeks ago in late june. They issued the notice of approach to developing the inventory. But, again, the non nec program will be made clear. The parameters of that will be made clear later on this year. We certainly welcome the opportunity to work with you and work with a project sponsored from your region on how to provide service where it could have a big impact. If you look at i15 from los angeles to las vegas, on the weekend it is like a parking lot going one direction or the other, we believe a speed terrain along that same quarter would carry people in both directions. It would not just be a gamblers train, people could go south on the train to los angeles, could become a commuter train, gets cars off of the road and improves the air quality. We have been studying this for a long time and we are close to making some progress, we hope to work with you and see that that happens. Thank you very much. You can come out for the groundbreaking, how about that . They would love it, thank you. Thank you, i yield back. Thank you very much, next up will be mr. Lamalfa. Perfect timing. Hello, mister secretary. Welcome to our little event, thank you. I will launch right in, i am a member from northern california. And, in my home state, we have had this project that was initiated in 2008 by a vote of the people for nine billion dollars worth of bond funds to go to the high speed rail to complete a project from San Francisco to l. A. So, over the years we have found that they fall farther and farther behind and the price goes up and up and up. It was sold to the voters in 2008 as a 33 billion dollar project. With the possibility of adding a sacramento and a san diego spur for a little more money later. It has fallen way behind. It was supposed to be completed in 2020, that was the original sale that the voters were given. And now, they hope to have one segment done by 2023. The price has skyrocketed from 33 billion dollars that the voters saw on the ballot to a number somewhere around 105 billion it was also supposed to draw and a lot of private investment to make up the for the difference between the nine billion and the 33 at the time. They have been able to lay their hands on or identify a number somewhere on 20 to 25 billion via cap and trade and other things or 105 billion dollar project. We are 80 billion dollars short of being able to build that out and the federal government has put forward about two billion dollars in the recent i ij. And about three and a half billion in the 2009 stimulus act of 2009. Here we find ourselves 80 billion short, built out whatever todays price is of a project that currently, if they completed in a certain amount of years it will go from not San Francisco to l. A. But moderna two shaft are, california. But there and she after a kind of like San Francisco and l. A. I am pretty tired of this project not meeting any promises and going way over and such. But i want you to be aware, mister secretary, that a simple thing like the Land Acquisitions that are happening on the route, they have not identified the entire route. They know the easier part through the valley and south bay, linking up with the north valley. They do not know how they will get it through to l. A. They are not even paying people for the land that they have taken from them through imminent domain. Are you aware that situation . You are saying that people have not been compensated for appropriation of their land . Right. I would want to see more details about the case. I would be happy to supply that to you. Can you support a federally backed project of taking property without providing the composition . Any federally funded project would have to comply with all of the law with regard to everything from title six to making sure people are appropriately accommodated. I would want to know more, is this subject of a federal complaint to your knowledge . Anyways, we will look into. It we will get back to you, sir. Thank you. As the prices go up, when does the value become not there for the thing . I can see on the east coast, hide ridership and density of population, that works out more or less, but here we are decades behind by the time we build it out. And, the price has at least tripled, if i had a bid for getting my roof done and they told me 33,000 and they showed up and started changing shingles and said, now it is 105,000 i would say, i need a different bid. What is the end point . What is right for the taxpayers on this . The way we view it is that decision is not entirely up to the federal government. That is largely up the project sponsor and the people of california. As you have noted there ares federal money in this, especially from the 2009 2010 funds, but also the state in its recent budget agreement has committed another 4. 2. What we really want to do is make sure that we are getting the greatest bang for our federal buck while partnering with the state and proceeding as they see fit. Theyll be looking to the feds for a lot more, because were about tapped out at the state level. Let me shift, cares sorry, time moves fast. The ap five implementation, that boeing california that is basically taking small truckers out of business or operating as an employee of a larger company. He provided any guided to the truckers in the state of how are gonna comply with 85 and just a pleat laws of those truckers on the supply chain issues we have . Well, certainly, a priority for us is to improve employment and trucking. Weve seen that is grown substantially. In this, case weve been able to engage with a different players. Linda emphasize also that when it comes to the litigation going on over this, the department is not a party to that. Were talking owner operators, not necessarily employees. Owner operators, do they have a place at the table anymore . Say that again . To the owner operators have a place at the table anymore in d. C. . We think owner operators are an important part of the future in d. C. , just as they are in the future. Thank you. We have anyway, thank you mister, chairman i yield back. Thank you, next up will be congressman hoffman. Thank, you mister chairman. And mister secretary, great to, see you welcome back to the committee. Let me just say how much ive been enjoying your testimony and your answers to questions. Like, you my starter ev was a c max, not much of a head turner but very practical. I appreciate your sensibilities and also appreciate the calm and factual way you have debunked a view of the things that have been thrown at you by our colleagues. But there is a price tag of evs or conspiracy theories about government taking with her compensation. We appreciate your leadership. One of the great things, coming from a California Coastal district, that i believe is on the infrastructure law is the historic investments that allow communities to build greater resilience and adaptation. Of course, my district is on the front line of climate impacts. So, this includes a 0. 7 billion dollars from the newly created protect Grant Program, as well as new eligibility in the national Highway Performance Program to mitigate against sea level rise. Projects that mitigate sea level rise. So, in my district, thats really important. Because it allows state and local transportation officials to plant, design and build differently. Instead of highway widening project from the 1970s, it asks them, invites them, to anticipate impact we know are coming in the next 20 to 30 years. But it does require a change in approach. Some institutional changes, to shift away from doing things the way theyve always been done. And i just wanted to ask you about that. Its a department of transportation helping to guide or plan with local and state transportation officials . To make sure that they are looking decades down the road, and not building projects from the 1970s. I do realize that the chair asked you about whether youre forcing states the locals to build certain ways, and i appreciate your answer that you are not. But are you offering guidance and help for them to plan in the way we need them to plan . Thank you for the question. Its especially timely given what were seeing, in terms of climate impacts on american infrastructure. We know, when we are building something new, that we or the project sponsor might be making 30, 40, 50 plus year decision. Which means weve got to be prepared for the world as it will be, not the world as it has been. So, for that reason, we are stepping up our efforts to collaborate with different project sponsors on being able to take those kinds of considerations that you raised into account. I also want to stress our appreciation for the robust funding in the protect program, specifically dedicated to enhancing resilience. That is a 0. 3 billion dollars over five years. And 1. 4 of that in this fiscal year. Thats under the Formula Program plus a Discretionary Program to, that we look forward to rolling out soon. All of which we think will help to put our money where mouth, is as a country. And the idea of deliberately restructure and preparing for the impacts ahead. Appreciate you mentioning the protect program. And you said rolling out soon, is there anything more you could tell us about the anticipated timeline for that . Lets see, i brought my little table of upcoming notices of funding opportunity, because i knew this would be of interest. I dont have a hard date, but i know that its one of the Priority Programs were looking forward to announcing shortly. And as soon as we do have a day, it will make sure to make that known. We look for to hearing about that. In the time i have left, mister secretary, i want to ask you about Ev Charging Infrastructure, another important element of the bipartisan infrastructure law. There been some recent reports of tesla opening up its Supercharger Network to nontesla evs. Theyre already doing this, i guess theyve been required to do this in the european union. But im seeing some accounts of that change now coming here. Can you talk about whatever update you may have on that, and how significant that would be to our aspiration of having ubiquitous, high quality Ev Charging Infrastructure, so we can accelerate this transition . Well, it would make a big difference. We are working hard to reach the president s goal of half 1 million charging stations built out in a nationwide network by the end of this decade. Its never been the vision that all of those are for most of those, our governmentowned and operated. Tesla has built an extraordinary, wide ranging and highly Effective Network of charges that are available, of course, three years for the owners of those cars. I have heard tesla leadership, including in meetings with me and other oh ems, discuss their vision for using some kind of adapter equipment to make them available to drivers of other vehicles. Havent seen any concrete timelines or steps in that direction, but its certainly something we would welcome. All right, thank, you i yield back. Next up is mr. Jimenez. Thank, you mister chairman, good to see you, mister secretary. Secretary, on september 6th, 2019, at a campaign, stop the president in New Hampshire said i want you to look into my eyes. I guarantee you, were going to end fossil fuel. Do you support that . I certainly support a transition to domestic, clean energy in our lifetime. In your lifetime . What is the timeframe for that . In my lifetime . Only god knows the answer to that question, sir. What steps are you taking to bring this along . Do you want to see the demise of fossil fields in the United States . We want to see the rise of domestic, Clean Energy Production. Its creating a lot of jobs alongside fossil fuel industries, which are of course still a very important part of our economy. We recognize that we are running out of time when it comes to the consequences, in terms of the destruction of american property and lives from the burning of fossil fuels in transportation applications and energy. We are pursuing a policy thats going to create more domestic, Clean Energy Production because we think that will lead to a better economy and it will save those lives in that property. If others estimates of the world will need additional fossil fuels for the next 50, 60, 70 years. Do you think that should be american fossil fuels, or that should be saudi fossil fuel or venezuelan fossil fuel . Our preference, again, is american made, domestic, Clean Energy Production. You keep saying clean energy. Excuse me, you keep saying clean energy. Im talk about fossil fuels. Talk about natural gas, talk about gasoline, et cetera. Are you in favor of additional production here in the United States would you want to see that limited . Well, as you know, weve proposed, for example, that Oil Companies that have decided not to produce right now be faced with a choice. They can either produce on the premise that they have or they lose access to those. Thats an example, i think, of the administrations recognition that, at least in the short term, we are working with what we have. Even as we are seeing a transition to. On a different pack, i looked at the f150 is said, but the electric in the gaspowered one. Theres a difference about 20,000 between one and the other. When you have 20, 000, if you have made about 20 miles a gallon, its going to take about, in todays prices, about 80,000 miles an order for you to break even. Im not even talking about charging costs, just talking about no charging costs. If you actually put that down to about 2. 50 a gallon, which is the price of gas before the Biden Administration, you dont break even until about 160,000 miles. If the Biden Administration actively pursuing High Energy Prices in order to force americans into electric vehicles . Of course not. I also want to emphasize that be you dont have to wait that 80,000 160,000 miles or however many would be to break even if you dont pay for the vehicle in cash. The great thing about an auto loan or lease as you can realize the savings in terms of less maintenance and less fuel, even while the initial car payment may be higher. Right . So, youre coming out ahead right out of the gate, instead of having to wait many years for a payback. Unless, of course, you are buying a vehicle in cash. I mean, your finance cars are going to be, it depends if you lease it et cetera, but the finance at the end of the day, youre going to be paying 20,000 more have you cut it. At least. And actually, if you finances, youre gonna be paying more because youll be paying interest. So, at the end of the day, again, were going to take either 85 a gallon, 80,000 miles breakeven. Then, by the way, if you figured in the tenure lifespan of a battery that have to change . Yes, we have. The estimates are showing that this is reaching parity and pointing towards savings, depending on the models, they do account for things like that. But youd agree that, the higher the price of gas, then the faster you reach that parity . Of course. The more pain that we are all experiencing from the high price of gas, more benefit there is for those who can access electricals. Thats why were hoping you and your colleagues might reconsider opposing the reduction of av upfront prices with tax credits. So, youre saying, the more pain we, have the more benefit were going to get . I think thats when i heard you say. The more pain thats what you heard me say . I know you want me to say it so bad. But honestly, sir, what were saying is that we could have no pain at all by making evs cheaper for everybody. And we would love to have your support on that. Evs cheaper by subsidizing them . Thats part of it. That doesnt make them cheaper. Actually, it does. You have a market it makes it cheaper because that Market Making investment gets you pass a tipping point. Current estimates actually are that the u. S. , as we cross that 5 to sales level, is starting to hit what endless typically consider to be that tipping point. But the more we stimulate the production of the clean cars, the more you hit the economy that scale that makes them cheaper to produce in the first place. Which means that you wont need as many subsidies in the future, thats why we believe in this policy. That is a subject of debate. Thank you very much, my time is, up i yield back. Congressman payne . Thank, you mister chairman. Secretary, thank you for being here today. Always good to see you. A couple notes. The funding you mentioned going to long beach, in reference to the rail expansion along the ships to remove the need for trucks. We might want to look at that for around port newark as well. Im always throwing things that, you by the way. Also, in february, i lead 34 other members in asking d. O. T. To get nearly seven billion dollars at the door quickly, to advance investments in the northeast corridor. The dreaded northeast corridor. Under the departments current timeline for establishing the northeast corridor inventory, states and others are not likely to see this money until 2023. If our aids delay is unacceptable. What is your department doing to expedite the delivery of these funds to answer our demand for a better Passenger Rail . So, we recognize the importance of working swiftly to prepare these investments. While also making sure that these investments that you only get to do ones are well considered. The northeast Corridor Commission is working through the next steps. And weve been consulting with them. On june 25th, the faa published a notice of approach to develop the an easy project inventory and opened up a Comment Period to get input from the stakeholders on the commission. We want to continue that consultation with the commission, that process has won, again, that happens not without its insurgency. So, we remain on track to publish the inventory by the statuary deadline, which is november 15th of this year. I am taking over the chairmanship of railroads, pipelines and hazardous material, found that the f r a, there was no dbe program in the federal railroad administration, theyve studied of discrimination exist in the Passenger Rail industry. I can answer that. Which would suggest the need for disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs. Its critical that the study is completed both thoroughly and promptly, so that, if i need is shown for the f r a dbe program, congress can respond quickly to guarantee that the iija rail funding its a fair Playing Field for disadvantaged businesses. When do you expect the disparity study to be completed . And do i have a commitment that this remains, as you told us last year, a top priority for you . Yes, it is very important to us to deliver on this priority, and, we have undertaken a number of actions to move hoped forward with this program. We provide congress with a package of material for consideration. I can tell you that the team is working hard to complete the study, it is a topic every time i sit down with our f r a administrator. As soon as it is fit for delivery we will have it in your hands. Thank you. Well, i think that is all i have, i yield back. Thank you. Next i believe mr. Mast. Thank you, mr. Paton you couldve yielded me your time. Mister secretary, thank you for being here today, i want to ask a very specific question. That is about hours of service for truckers. Do you feel as though you are endangering the lives of any american on the roadway with the hours of Service Waivers that are be given for truckers that are hauling something related to covid . Clorox, automobile parts . We think the waivers are justified away would not enact them, i think that overtime we are going to learn from the data that come back on what effect, looking back on these years, the waivers will determine to have, but of course if we did not believe that they were a responsible way to strike the balance we would not pursue them. Agreed with you, if we did not believe they were responsible they would not be in place. There are hours of Service Waivers for truckers who carry food, fuel, products to fight covid, livestock, car parts, a host of things on that list. And they can basically set their own flexible driving schedule that they otherwise would not be allowed to, as long as they take a ten hour break each day. It is far more simple than what they otherwise fall under without that waiver, sell, i would say in this way, i think you and i can agree that a trucker is not a safer driver because they are carrying frosted flakes that might be on the waiver list, versus laundry detergent. That would be an agreeable statement . I think so, obviously we recognize there are certain differences in cargo but not all of those differences are the same as the ones that qualify you for the waiver. An example, frosted flakes will be labored so that you can just have a ten hour break. Wanted to target would not. That would not make a difference in the quality of the trucker or how they perform their duties or safety . I hope not. I would hope not as well. Likewise, we could not see that they are better because they are carrying clorox wipes versus baby clothes. The list could go on and on. The request is, for our truckers, the administration is clearly determined that this kind of flexibility for truckers is not a major safety threat. To say the truckers, hey, if you are carrying covid related items or clorox rights, all you need to do is make sure you have a ten hour break. We do not need all of these other things that go on in those hours of service. The lack of flexibility. It is not a threat, we agree on that, we have determined it, the goods being carried to not determined the threat. Largely, obviously, there can be Hazardous Materials. Even when we talk about Hazardous Materials we can say that fuel is on that waiver list. Probably one of the most Hazardous Materials that could potentially be involved in a collision. That is on the waiver list we look at this and we say. The Trump Administration had the policy for about nine months, the Biden Administration has now had the waiver policy for about a year and a half. So, the request is, lets make it permanent and extend those protocols to truckers that are carrying anything, they should not have to go through the red tape of determining whether they are carrying frosted flakes or laundry detergent, or clorox wipes, or baby clothes, or whatever. If it is not a safety threat, as we have determined it is not to give them those ten hours, you get ten hours of rest, it is not a safety threat, lets let them not have to waver this i think the response to this has hanging on the waiver to believing something has a responsible balance and has no safety impact at all. We are agreed that it was a responsible way of striking the balance. Especially and responding to a crisis that has claimed the lives of million americans. I would want to see more data suggesting that there was no safety impact it all before i could endorse the conclusion that you are speaking to. I do think it is reasonable to say that anytime, even if it arises out of an emergency, that we gather data from some kind of flexibility being introduced, we should learn from that and included in our decisionmaking for the future. I just would not say we have reached a point where we think that in any way justifies releasing those safety requirements wholesale. I can appreciate you wanting to look at the finer data points of this. It would be wrong for us not to do this. But, again, just to close that, we can see that we are assessing there is not a big enough safety threat to get rid of it. It has gone on for nine months under trump, a year and a half plus, two years under biden. It is not a big enough safety threat to be doing that, we should be looking at that for everybody. People carry a host of Different Things. Just one final point, here. This comes from people that have to deal with the faa a badge office. I have an understanding that there are a number of very disrespectful people in the s a badge office the people in d. C. Are not happy to have to deal with in that office. If you could address that in the way that they treat people that come through that batch office, it would be greatly appreciated by some people that i. No i will look into that right away. Thank you for letting me know. Thank you very much. Chair recognize mr. Lowenthal for five minutes. Thank you, mister chair, mister secretary i represent the port of long beach. I am the cochair with windy weather from texas of the congressional caucus on sports. Thank you for being here, thank you for visiting the ports. Really becoming so knowledgeable about our ports. I appreciate your efforts to ease port congestion. And to reduce the cost for all american consumers. The iija Port Infrastructure program is among the most critical tools to make movement more efficiently, to strengthen our supply chains, and tackling the shipping cost. In addition to the legislation, measures like expanding eight hours imports, popup container storage sites, ensuring more transparency, and data for freight exchanges have been super important. There are important signs of progress, for example, freight rates from china to the west coast have fallen almost 50 in the last two months. I want to stress how critical it is that we ensure that the p i gdp is allocated as quickly as possible. And that these funds support the electrification projects needed to increase efficiency, and to reduce the Environmental Impacts, which are higher freight flows at the head of our climate and our frontline communities. We also need to prioritize the funding available under section 11402 of the iija to reduce truck idling at borders. Mister secretary, can you share more about what the administration is doing to prioritize these critical projects, to coordinate multi modal freight flows, and when can we expect funding to be awarded . Thank you very much for the question and for the attention to the importance of and efficiently and smoothly moving through freight through our ports. As you mentioned, we have seen a lot of games in terms of sharp productions in the number of ships that have anchored. And in terms of improvement of shipping rights. Although they are still higher than they are precovid levels. There is more work to be done. Specifically with regard to the poor Infrastructure Development program, we are working to advance the 2022 funding as quickly as we can. We released the notice of funding opportunity for that Program Within 90 days of the infrastructure law passing. Consistent with the president s call to move quickly as part of the action plan. And, we have also issued the amendments to incorporate the funding from the appropriations act for 60 days of that legislation moving through. We have the applications and, we are working diligently to reveal them and anticipate being able to announce early in the fall. We look forward to the difference that could make in terms of our capacity and readiness in our ports. In the meantime, of course, we are not waiting for a longer term infrastructure upgrades in order to continue trying to drive progress in this regard. I would point to measures like the creation of flow, free, logistics operation. That is a data sharing platform. It is not mandatory, we are not ordering anybody to share anything. It is voluntary, those different players including private sector actors in different parts of the supply chain who contribute data and then get access to the benefits of participating in that system. We think it is going to make a big difference and were looking forward to having a prototype of that later on this year. Our ports envoy, general Stephen Lions continues to work with all of the different players at the ports to spot and identify any and all issues that can be addressed in the near term. Whether it is through federal action within our authorities are just getting the right players at the table. Thank you, mister secretary. I yield back. Thank you, the chair recognizes representative johnson for five minutes. Mister secretary, first off, i would thank you for the positive comments you have made about the ocean shipping reform act that mr. Garamendi and i helped assure through the house, thank you for your support of that, we have talked a lot about ports so far today and i think that will help. It is not a Silver Bullet but it will help. When you appeared before this Committee Last year you when i had a productive conversation about citing, and about how the same type of project would take two years to get sighted in a highway project in france or germany on average, would take seven and a half years in america. Which is clearly not evidence of american exceptionalism. Makes it harder to have american exceptionalism present itself. You talked, then, about some things we could do. I think you said move aspiration an action, or making any progress on that front . Do you see room for additional leadership by this congress and helping make it easier for things to do large projects . First of all let me acknowledge, thank you for your work on the bipartisan ocean format, it is Something Else i should have mentioned just now, my earlier answer of something we have made progress on when it comes to shipping and supply chains. To your question, yes, i think we have made projects and yes i agree there is much more work to be done. The comparisons to europe are especially important, i think, because we are talking about countries that are certainly rigorous in their labor standards and their Environmental Standards. And yet, consistently seem to be able to deliver projects at a lower cost to a swift timeline then tends to happen in the u. S. Some of the things we have done in this regard include increasing our visibility on year average for the kinds of Environmental Review that many of our projects ourselves subject to we recognize this is going to be a big ship to turn. We welcome all activities and opportunities for good faith collaboration for how to do this without diminishing Community Voices or environmental, or other important policy considerations. But, having a pace and a cost of getting through these processes which is what most americans would expect. Yes, one of the things i struggle with, and this is true whether were talking high voltage transmission lines or highways. People talk about how long it takes to get something cited. I will tell them, okay, bring me the specific knob we could turn. I am sure you ask the same question, because there are so many factors that slow down these processes it can be hard to figure it what button you push or lever you pull. It is a bit of an unfair question for me to ask you but, as you review all of these myriad things that make it difficult to get big projects done in this country, is there one piece that we should focus our collective fire on . One or two specific things we could be working together on . As you noted, there is not a Silver Bullet here, i do think there are a few directions that will be productive to work and, one is the capacity of the project sponsor. Making sure that they have the tools they need to navigate these processes. Especially because if we are successful in bringing investments to jurisdictions that have not had much before. Maybe small and rural jurisdictions or low income areas that have not done much of the federal process. We can except not expect them to know how to navigate it on day one. I think the support and Technical Assistance is going to be important. Second is to make the processes simpler in the first place. It is one of the reasons you see us combining some of our notices of funding opportunity. Even combining the Selection Process just to have less paper and fewer steps involved. By virtue of having fewer programs on parallel tracks. I think visibility matters and that is why we have the dashboard. I know it is a readout and not a mandate but i think it could play an Important Role because it will help us to spot some of these issues. We are trying to make sure we are combining the final d i. S. And the record of decisions. Making sure theres not a big gap between those, we have also pursued the integration of some of the permitting processes. We think some of those things can travel together. Im a frayed i do not have a sense of one or two things that would make all of the difference. But, anything and everything that we can do, consistent with our bedrock commitments, we are certainly open to exploring. Mister secretary, thank you, mister chairman, by way of closing i would note that this is a serious problem. Nobody would suggest that European Countries float over isil or labor standards. They are able to get it done in two years, frankly, america should be able to get it done in that kind of timeframe as well. I think a secretary for his efforts. Thank you so much, chair recognizes mr. Lynch for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Shannon and welcome mister secretary. I represent the port of boston, thank you for your recent visit. It sounds like you have been getting around to all of our ports, that is a great thing. I want to thank you for the support of the Biden Administration and your office recently, we received 62 million to try to rebuild the terminals in logan airport, those are from 1974 era terminals, we really appreciate the opportunity to update those, i also want to thank your office for working with us on the north jetty. We have one of the oldest ports in the country and some of our infrastructure dates back to preworld war i. We are trying to repair that and your office has been very helpful. In addition, we have had some problems with the n b t a recently and federal Transit Administration has been very helpful in terms of coming up with guidelines that allow us to operate that system. Not at full capacity but safely, we appreciate the thoughtful and deliberate approach to that. One of the other positions i hold is by his share of the quiet skies caucus. We are having difficulty in and around logan airport. Logan airport was originally built in the 19 twenties by the United States army. They laid out the runways to favor the wind direction for those planes, back in the 1920s, the did not have much thrust. Unfortunately, as a city has ground those runways nastier planes directly over many Environmental Justice communities. Not only that, but with the advancement of next generation systems, we have thousands and thousands and thousands of planes flying over laser guided air vectors, over the same homes, repeatedly. It is causing Health Problems for the people in those areas next to the airport. I had tried to persuade the faa to look at an approach where they would adjust the configuration of the runways. We have an entire port area where they could be bringing in flights and having flights take off. Completely over water, not flying over these densely settled Environmental Justice neighborhoods but, i have had great difficulty in persuading them to do so. I am wondering if your administration and your office would be willing to work with us on that. We obviously have a great need in the area, but, this is critical to the quality of life of the people in my district. I want to recognize your leadership of the quiet skies caucus. Certainly we recognize that as the faa moves to modernize national air pace there is a risk that these efforts can result in changes to the flight pattern. It effectively could concentrate the loud and concentrate the noise. This concentrates the impact on the residents who live directly under them. I would be humbled by attempting to venture anything specifically runway configuration here. I know that it is very top technical and has to do with things like the direction of the wind and other engineering considerations. Certainly i would welcome further dialogue with your office on how to make sure those Community Impacts were managed as responsive light as possible. And, that any mitigations that can be identified responsibly are pursued. I know that the faa has to add resources in terms of community engagement. Anytime that is found wanting i welcome the chance to work with the Congressional Office to form that dialogue up. That is great, thank you, mister secretary. I want to point out that periodically we do have to redo the runways. We just had one of them, one of the major runways redone. Over a year ago now. We shut it down, we move the flights to another runway. Logistically we could do this if we had i have had dealings with the faa. On some things theyre great. On other things they are impervious to public input and impervious to congressional persuasion as well i would appreciate your cooperation on that. I am thankful for the work that you have done in the port of boston and i appreciate what the Biden Administration has done as well. Mister chairman, i will yield back. Thank you, the chair recognizes mr. Balderson for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman, secretary, thank you for being here. I was on the same flight to columbus on friday night with you. It is good to see you into the airport and getting on a plane. Thank you. I was a strong supporter of the act when the committee marked up the infrastructure bill last year. This Program Creates a pathway for cdl holders between the ages of 18 to 22 participate in interstate commerce after completing substantial safety training, while i had Major Concerns with the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act, i was happy to see this important Pilot Program included in the final bill, can you discuss the current status of this apprentice Pilot Program . I want to recognize your work on us and also recognize that it happens in the broader context of making sure that we have the strongest and best possible workforce in trump driving, it has been estimated that the gap is as high as 80,000. Although it is closed to some extent. The question that this Pilot Program speaks to is if there is a way to engage younger drivers without any kind of detriment to safety. I think a Pilot Program has provided us with a responsible way to determine that. In january of this year we announced the establishment of the program to the federal register. That was the first step to get the details out about the pilot. They are now completing some of the other administrative tasks. Just because it is a new program. I do believe we will be able to began to accept applications into this program by the end of summer of this year. We will be watching closely to see how it unfolds. Ultimately, we will gather the data that will tell us whats, if any, safety impact there has. Thank you very much, i appreciate that answer. Mister secretary, last month i sent you a bipartisan letter signed by 67 of my colleagues regarding several issues facing Motor Vehicle characters and those transporting Hazardous Materials. One of these issues is the costly background check redundancies within the transportation worker identification credential Hazardous Waste endorsement and the tsa precheck programs. I have heard from across industries that streamlining or harmonizing these credentials, which are largely part of the same information, would go a long way in reducing cost and unnecessary burdens on drivers. I understand this issue is under tsas jurisdiction. Since you are the cochair of the supply destruction task force and you are the primary regulator of the Trucking Industry is secretary of transportation, im curious if you have any thoughts on this matter or if you have heard anything from tsa or dhs on efforts to reduce these redundancies . I do not want to preempt the process of reply into your letter because i want to make sure we coordinate with dhs on that. Let me affirm that the general principle, whatever the government is gathering information from the same person twice we have an opportunity. Provided we can find ways to meet this concern that do not have any adverse effect on safety and security, we are very open to examining what we can do. Okay, thank you very much. Anytime you are in columbus, ohio, again let me know. I could do enrichment for you. Thank you, sir. Chairman, i yield back. Thank you so much, the chair recognizes representative carbajal for five minutes. Thank you, mister chair. Secretary buttigieg, welcome, i commend you and the Biden Administration for your leadership in helping us to advance the historic bipartisan infrastructure law. This represents some of the Largest Investments to bring our nations roads, bridges, transit, broadband, and waterways into the 21st century. And, at the same time, great good paying jobs for many americans. My district has already begun to benefit from these federal infrastructure donors in so many ways. Currently, they sent about a county association is working towards improving the u. S. Highway 101. Which is one of two critical and major north to south arteries in california, this may they apply for federal omega in 4 to reduce congestion along the portion of the u. S. 101, encouraging from a mode of transportation, strengthen job accessibility, and reduce harmful pollution from Greenhouse Gas emissions. I worked on this project when i serve in local government on the Santa Barbara county board of supervisors, i can tell you this project is a win, win, win. Not only for our local region, but for the entire state transportation system, there is 800 and 10 million, almost a billion dollars in state and local funds, yes, i said local funds currently pledged to this project which means approximately 80 of this project is coming from non federal sources, i think it is fair to say that it is time for the federal government to step up. Can you provide an update on the timeframe for when your department will making determinations on this applications . Thank you for the question, certainly we recognize that the former mayor recognizes that the state and local jurisdiction has been asked to shoulder too much for too long, it is part of why the Infrastructure Investment jobs act is so welcome. Part of it will be sought to do with the particular programming referencing with the combined in for a omega rural to position ourselves to deploy these dollars as quickly as we can, when the deadline closed for this combined funding opportunity we had more than 450 applications. We are working through those right now. We should be able to announce selections in the fall. Looking forward to funding as many deserving applications as we can. This will certainly get full and fair consideration. Great, thank you, again, 80 funded with non federal dollars. As a member of the Climate Solutions caucus i supported the inclusion of the Carbon Reduction Program in the bipartisan infrastructure law. How are you working towards reducing harmful Carbon Emissions . The Carbon Reduction Program is going to give us 6. 4 billion dollars in resources to help communities, states, and jurisdictions with this work, we are looking forward to seeing the plans as they began coming through on how states aim to use that, i should emphasize the bulk of this is formula dollars that the states can program as they see fit. Providing it is consistent with the basic outlines of what Congress Calls for in the legislation. Of course, that is not all there is to it, the opportunity to do this infrastructure law in just about anything we do in transit, almost by definition will be to produce carbon pollution, that is doubly true for the well bust program and other things that help transit, which is already presumptively carbon reducing to also operate on a cleaner basis. I think across all of the programming you see, even or especially when we are meeting places like enhancing supply chains are giving commuters and passengers a more convenient and efficient experience, we are going to be making a major difference as well. Thank you, let me just close by reiterating my standing invitation to you to visit my district. As you can say, that 101 major product is a very significant effort going on in my region, but there are many others and i hope you will consider coming out, i know my constituents with love to showcase all that we have done and continue to do in regard to transportation infrastructure. Please come out, some of us call my area paradise on earth, which she would be remiss to not come out and say thank you. I would love it, thank you. He does have a very nice district, the chair assists to that, we will now recognize mr. Katko for five minutes. Thank you, mister chairman. I would just like to collect a record saying syracuse, new york, is paradise on earth as well. Thank you very much for being there today. Last time i saw you i think we are in the white house a year ago, the oval office in february. Speaking by the construction of a small group of individuals by the president , vice president. What has happened since then and i am thrilled to say that im the very first republican to cast my vote in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and jobs act. This combination of many years of work on my part and others. And, started back in 2017 with the Problem Solvers caucus, the chair of the subcommittee of that issue with the infrastructure report. We recommended 21, we presented it to a group of governors, senators, members of congress, and it caught fire and went from there. So, i am thrilled we finally got across the finish line. I am glad to be able to talk to you about that today. In central new york, as you know, a major beneficiary of this acts along interstate 81. The bill of the city, and, that money is fully needed. Across this country. Providing stable and defend dependable federal funding for infrastructure was one of the reads that can be congress. I wanted to make that a reality by supporting this infrastructure bill. In addition to supporting billions of dollars for a wide array of other infrastructure possibilities, new york is seeing an increase in its proportion meant a federal aid under this law, which is welcome news. From major highway projects to address a winter on roads, this makes a huge difference, top to bottom, across our state. Fortunately, along with many of my constituents, im concerned about how far this money is going to go in the near future, due to the dramatic rise in inflation. I want to note that the infrastructure bill is not the problem here, its not the driver, theres not an expert who says it is. In fact, according to experts from the American Enterprise institute, the infrastructure bill actually actually eases inflationary pressures in the long run because a focus on improving productivity over the next decade. However, as we all know, so not the only bill that Congress Passed last year. We now find ourselves at a point where inflation reached a 40 year high at 9. 1 last month. Which is the most ive seen since i was a young man, in the carter administration. Inflation has impacted prices at every sector but of specific interest to our conversation today is the price of Construction Materials and fuel, which are through the roof. The states on localities tried to budget for demand, road and bridge projects, sustained inflation is going to make it even more difficult to structure these infrastructure dollars to cover the projects that congress intends to. Its a, result we end up focusing the a on sustainability charges this bill is best to address. A few quick questions for you, if you can help me with the might appreciate it. First of all, what steps are the Department Taking to ensure that the purchasing power of the infrastructure act is remaining intact. Second of all, you can take these either or do you like, can i assume that the department of transportation is focusing their efforts are committed reforms to the infrastructure act to help the cost and delays for these projects . With that, i yield back. Thank you, let me recognize your support and leadership when it came to this infrastructure law coming together. I strongly agree with you and the economists who have indicated that seeing it through is going to ease inflationary pressure. For that, region we feel a great sense of urgency about making sure that we effectively use these taxpayer dollars. And theres no question that the increased cost of input to Building Infrastructure represents a challenge for us in implementation. This is true, whether were talking about supply chain constraints contributing to raw material costs or whether were talking about workforce shortages impacting labor costs. So, several things that we are able to do and one thing i would point to is the collaboration that we have with project sponsors to share best practices, from what weve seen around the country and even around the world, on how to effectively keep those costs under control. Use Technical Assistance to provide that kind of support. And, of course, continue working the root causes of the issue through efforts like the supply Chain Disruptions Task force. We also see certain flexibilities that do exist within the legislative framework. And, when they are there, we will pursue them in order to make sure projects once or succeed. Were of course always open to working with congress on other measures we can take to ensure that we really get that value, at 1. 2 trillion dollars worth, of economic and other benefit to the American People for the taxpayer investment thats being made here. Thank you very much, i yield back. Thank you so much. I will recognize myself now. Let me start, mister secretary, setting a couple of things straight. Im sure youll agree with me that every american should have the freedom to buy whatever kind of color they want. Agreed. But when more people buy evs, the overall demand for gas goes down. Right . Which means the price of gas also goes down for everybody who is still exercises their choice to buy a gas guzzling car. So, this is a winwin, i dont understand why this has become a partisan or tribal issue in america. Then, when it comes to gas prices and putin. I remember the days immediately after russias invasion of ukraine, virtually all of my republican colleagues were taken to the airwaves, demanding that President Biden ban russian oil. Every single speech on the house floor, committee hearings, confronting Administration Officials coming to brief us and all of us knew perfectly well that this would result in gas prices going up. You cannot take the worlds number two exporter of oil off line in a day without having that effect. In those days, i drafted a House Resolution that would have urged President Biden to do exactly that, to ban russian oil. But in the text, acknowledging that there would be economic sacrifices for the American People. Hoping that we could come together, as democrats and republicans, patriotically urging the president to do the right thing but taking common responsibility. And i couldnt find a single republican to sign on to that resolution, because apparently some people wanted the president to do it and then to blame for the consequences. And unfortunately, were still seeing that today. With that, i want to ask you what i always ask you about, which is the Gateway Program for new jersey and new york. Weve made such extraordinary progress working with you and your team. We ended the trump era policy that made it harder for states to finance their portion of rigged Infrastructure Projects, we finally got the Environmental Impact statement done for the tunnel. We secured an improved project rating from the federal Transit Administration. He signed a full Funding Grant agreement to replace the portal north bridge and will be breaking ground on that essential project in the coming days. And just two weeks ago, new jersey and new york agreed on how theyre going to split the costs of this incredibly important project at the state level. And then, of course, we pass the infrastructure bill that will fund this. But just as i pushed really hard to get us to this point, im going to push just as hard to get this done faster. And i understand, these projects are complicated, they dont get built under overnight. But im sure you wont be surprised to hear michael statutes wont be happy to hear statements like this could go until 2035. Its not going to be acceptable. I actually want to echo mr. Johnsons question to you about why Infrastructure Project delivery in the United States takes so long and cost so much in comparison with other wealthy countries that have equally strong labor and Environmental Standards as the United States. When were going to do about it . And how can we apply those measures to this project, the gateway project for new jersey a new york . Thank you. Thank you. First of, all let me show you enthusiasm for making sure the gateway project is a success. It holds the potential to ease congestion, provide Better Service to create redundancy for intercity rail and a whole number of other issues that will be very important for the northeast corridor and represent such an economically significant set of transportation activities, the entire country will benefit. In particular, i want to applaud the agreement that was reached between new york and new jersey, and that is never a small or easy thing for two states to agree on cost sharing. I called governor murphy and Governor Hochul to express my appreciation for their leadership on that. It isnt a it is a project or a set of projects that will test us regarding our ability for the cost it takes to deliver a project in the u. S. And the cost you see in a lot of other western countries. While i cant point to any single factor that explains the difference, there are a number of things that we know contribute to it. Part of it is the complexity of aligning the different parties, so that is why were so pleased to see the states collaborating in this regard. Also, the Gateway Development commission now has its executive director named, its also, we think, a very positive development. Because you can see the unified leadership that you need. We also want to inventory best practices from other countries, or other parts of the u. S. , that have been quicker than others while maintaining project quality. We are driving ourselves very hard internally to make sure the process is that smooth and as straightforward as possible. We think that, with the right level of intentionality, we can buck the trend of very large, very complex projects. To go longer and cost more than they should. Thank you so much. I yield back my time and we will now go to mr. Western man for five minutes. Thank you, chairman. Thank you secretary buttigieg, for being here today. Cant be among one of those members of congress who didnt vote for the, but do we call it, the Worlds Largest Infrastructure Spending package in the history of the world. One that was more than enough money to completely rebuild the u. S. Interstate highway system is in todays dollars. But the big issue is not only did not come before this committee, it went before a no committee and had no markup in the house of representatives. But it is the law now and, as we look to do oversight on it, i notice that last friday h f proposed rogue thinking to make state deities and metropolitan planning organizations to set private acts i targets and develop a system for measuring a reporter Greenhouse Gas emissions. This is in line with the president s executive order in january of 2021. However, nobody voted on this in the iija because it wasnt in their. So, in light of the Supreme Courts recent ruling on the epas authority over power plant missions, do you have any concerns that the Administration May be overstepping the law in putting this out . Plus, the amount of time, this is a big issue and ive already had my state d. O. T. Contact me about not having enough time to comment on it. We are very confident in Congressional Authority for this rule. And actually dates back to 2012, when Congress Passed map 21. Which provides for the federal Highway Administration to put out performance measures. Weve used that authority, or i should say the department, because much of it is before my time, but the department of successfully use that authority on a number of different issues. This is part of that tradition and i think one that comes at a very important time. The clear, obviously, evidence of Climate Change and the destruction on peoples lives and property due to Climate Change beyond any doubt. We also know that the largest actor in the u. S. Economy contributing to greenhouse actor in the u. S. Economytation sector. And we have been very mindful on limits to federal authority in crafting this proposed rulemaking. It doesnt, for example, mandate any targets. Its really about the states being able to track their progress toward their own targets. But, with this being such a central issue of importance for the world and the American People, what would it say about us if we couldnt even measure it . So, were trying to get those basic standards in place. If your state d. O. T. Has any concerns in terms of their ability to comply, this is certainly the time to make those known, through the npr am comment process. But wed also be happy to engage with them directly. Thank you. He talked about climate and carbon as something that i work, on i work on a lot of natural Climate Solutions. But you had mentioned earlier in the testimony, i know you are bought into the goal of, i think, replacing half of the fleet by 2030. For half of the new car sales. You just mentioned that transportation is the largest sector of climate, Carbon Emissions. So what percentage of the World Climate point, emissions are as the United States possible for . We remain in the top two, if i recall correctly and are in the neighborhood of 15 . 15 . And that transportation being the largest part of that. The percentage of that 15 is transportation . Depending how you can, Something Like a third. Okay, a third of 15 . I think the numbers are actually closer to 27 . Thats all transportation. How much of the transportation are passenger cars responsible for . I would say surface is the biggest share. I dont have the percentage off hand. I know its something we are responsible for. With every piece who are responsible for, shame on us if we dont do the best we can. Yeah. If you go through the math, you find out that if every electronic vehicle if all passenger cars were electric vehicles, youre offsetting less than 1 of global Greenhouse Gas emissions, which that is nothing to laugh at. Its just not the panacea that i see folks on the left claiming that it is. Its a huge cost to our country. You think theres other areas maybe we should, with all the challenges with electric vehicles, i heard you talking earlier about how were developing the minerals and the copper wire, the lithium. Youre saying that and then im the Ranking Member of the Natural Resources committee. I see bill after bill to withdraw mining from federal lands for these resources lie. If were developing them here in this country, i sure dont know where we are developing them. Appears to me we are more relying on china and other countries to provide the minerals and elements we need and we are not developing here. It looks like there is a miscommunication between the administration and what members of congress are working toward, in opposite directions. I yield back. If you would like to respond, its okay. I dont want to tie up any more time. Just endorsed the idea that theres gonna be a lot of Different Things weve got to do at the same time. We simply think anything that we are responsible for, especially using technologies that exist in the American Workers are making good money building right now are those that show the most promise. Those are the most the ones with the push the hardest on. Thank you. The chair now recognizes mr. Allred for five minutes. Good afternoon, mister secretary. Thank you, mister chairman. I want to for holding this. Its great to see you, thanks for coming to dallas and seeing some of the things that we have going on there. I want to thank the department for getting the historic funding for this bill i was proud to move forward out quickly as you have. These are making a monumental impact in my community and communities across texas. In fact, last month, the Texas Department of transportation release this plan to build out Ev Charging Infrastructure throughout the state, to support 1 million electric vehicles. Thanks to the iija, the state is expected to receive about 407 million over five years to do that. As you know, youve been to texas, its a big state, weve got some big distances involved, im wondering, how do you propose working the d. O. T. Similar to texas, that they build a Reliable Network of stations that addresses range, anxiety, maybe some consumers havent allowed us to be a success. Thank. We recognize that through your community and communities across texas and many in the u. S. , the ability to successfully participate in the ev revolution to get the fuel savings that come with owning and tv. They are only as good as the opportunity to charge them. Especially if your work or commute requires you to cover long distances on a regular basis. Weve got to make sure that it is as certain that you will find chargers where you need them as it is that you will find gas stations where you need them on a road trip today. With the funding that congress is providing, we have formula dollars going to every state. This, your slice of that, 615 million, to make sure that there is that backbone across the highway network. I will say, this was crafted with a lot of regard for the differences between the states. We dont know with the right way is to lay it out. In every particular. Weve asked the states to prepare their plans and follow up with us by august 1st, as long as they meet the legal requirements, it will be off and running on funding. We are looking forward to texas and other states prepare for us. I think its exciting. In a former life i was an nfl player, which is interesting to see in the last super bowl, every car commercial was for electric vehicles. Right . This is what people are excited about. For states like texas, for us to move into that future, we need this charging infrastructure. Its incredibly important aspect of this bill. I also want to talk about aviation. As you know, home to one of our busiest aviation sectors, home to the second Busiest Airport in the world, dallas, the national airport. In 2016, they received recognition as the first airport to become Carbon Neutral in north america. Recently, dfw received to increase terminal sustainability in the reaching net zero emissions goal by 2030. Im wondering how the department envisions airports using the Airport Improvement Program funds from iija to help build capacity at airports . If you believe these funds will help with some of the delays that i have been hearing about and experiencing as i flight twice a weeks most weeks. Cancellations i think so many folks in the country are feeling. Thank you. Yes, we were very pleased to support dfws its gonna help them with a power plan. Not only air Quality Improvements in sustainability improvements, also cost savings for the airport in the long run, which means whatever those fees do go to are more likely to be passenger facing than if they were going to the bill. Which we certainly welcome. You mentioned the other program, the Airport Improvement Program, a ip, which is funded to the tune of three point 35 billion in the fiscal year budget request. Those are dollars that will help enhanced capacity as well as safety, security, and other concerns with the airports. That will be part of the stack alongside other sets of aviation that came in the infrastructure law that can help on everything from physical plan improvements around the airport to monitor the gates, to things like air Traffic Control facilities that if you allow them to deteriorate can also become a limiting factor. Not to mention the quality of life issue for your hardworking air Traffic Controllers. All those call for investment. We are glad to deliver so much of it now, thanks to bipartisan law. Absolutely. Im almost out of time here. I want to say, i was happy to hear that you recently planned to use the funds from iija to establish high speed rail demonstration projects in the country. If you could briefly elaborate on how the Department Plans to deliver on that goal and how much of the funding you do you plan to allocate towards high speed rail projects . In a nutshell, its enough not to across the u. S. , but to begin to demonstrate that the u. S. Can do high speed rail as effectively as anyone. We look forward to supporting as many routes as possible, probably be a handful stacked alongside all the other real needs in the u. S. But enough, i hope, to show the americans we can do it as well. Certainly one that in texas and, quote we will go to mr. For five minutes. Thank you mister chairman, thank you mister secretary for being. Here part of the genius of the Founding Fathers was a system of checks and balances. Congress has a duty to oversee the executive branch. Members of Congress Deserve answers to questions they pose to the executive branch. My office has written several letters to you and we have not received a response on most of them. I sent you a letter back on may 2nd asking you a very simple question about whether the Biden Administration supports maintaining a preferential nofly zone for disney. Did you ever receive that letter . Did you read . It i believe we have it, yes. Mind you, no other Amusement Park enjoys restrictions on airspace, including competitors like universal studios. These nofly zones are usually reserved for a high security targets like the white house and our most sensitive military facilities, like Nuclear Launch sites. Totally makes sense. I would like to add, no executive agency wrote to congress about a National Security need for this nofly zone, which is the custom. The above my administrations faa administration testified that is knees nofly zone does not meet the standard requirements and would not be in place had congress not enacted specific legislation, a process that has been widely reported that was done out of uncouth lobbying. What does the Administration Stance on the preferential treatment for disease nofly zone . Fundamentally, we have to apply the law. In this case, as you noted, this set of flight restrictions the faa maintains, we do so because its part of congressional legislation that was enacted in 2004. And then we codifyd those in notices to air missions. I know we have had inquiries both from members of congress from time to time and from industry about this. Ultimately, any changes that policy would be for congress to put forward, just as the policy itself is congressional statute. Fair enough. I will be pursuing just that here in the next congress. Could you please, just in one word, lets have fun with this, could you please describe america to meet in one single word . What would that be, if you could describe america in one single word . For me, i guess home. Home. Fair enough. Just a few weeks ago, this is how President Biden described america in one word. Could you please tell me what that word means . Its this one right here. Could you even say the word . Im not in the habit of trying to read transcriptions. I bring this up to you yourself question Donald Trumps mental state of mind in september of 2019 when you stated to cnn, i quote, if our presidency is not in good shape, then our country is not in good shape. Mister secretary, i could not agree with you more. Im gonna repeat what your quote is. If your presidency is not in good shape, and then our country is not in good shape. Inflation is at 9. 1 . Gas prices are through the roof. Our adversaries are exploiting our weaknesses across the globe. Our southern border is nonexistent. This administration puts the American People last. The left, and the dishonest media, which in my humble opinion is the greatest threat to this country, the dishonest media, began questioning President Trumps mental state back in february of 2017. A month into his presidency. We now have President Biden in office for 18 months. Just recently, we now see the Mainstream Media questioning President Bidens mental state, and for good reason. Sadly, he shakes hands with ghosts and imaginary people. He falls off bicycles. Even at the white house easter celebration, the easter bunny to get him back into his safe ways. Your cards that say sit here or end of speech, which he actually states. That is if he stays awake. My question for you is, sir, have you spoken with any other cabinet members about implementing the 25th amendment on President Biden . First of all, im glad to have a president who can write a bicycle. I will look beyond the insulting nature of that question and make clear to you that the president have you spoken to cabinet members about implementing the 25th amendment on President Biden . Of course, you ought to know this is my time. Have you emailed any members of the executive branch about the president s health and a decline, including Text Messages from your private my boss, ive had the pleasure but about political appointees. Have you spoken the gentlemans time has expired. I couldnt hear question, im sorry. Will you really yield me one minute, sir . Absolutely not. If he had yielded the secretary sometime to actually answer the ridiculous question, you might have actually gotten something. We will now turn to mr. Garcia for five minutes. Mr. Van drew would like to yield. Thank you mister chairman and Ranking Member for this meeting. Thanks to secretary buttigieg for joining us today. The iija was an important bill that funds our policy needs as the chairman reminded us last week, as his portrait was being unveiled, the house passed a truly game changing, transformative bill that we call the invest act. Establishing Greenhouse Gas emissions metrics, advancing a fix it first agenda, and massive investments into environment to name a few. Even though we werent able to advance the invest back or the build back better act, i am heartened that under your leadership, mister secretary, the u. S. D. O. T. Has begun to implement parts of this Progressive Agenda under its existing authority. Still, much more me done and how we implement the iija is absolutely critical for far too long, transportation policy has been disconnected from the broader social justice debate. Yet it determines access to jobs, clean air, clean water, affordable housing, and the fate of our climate. Mister secretary, i represent a working class, immigrant community in chicago in the cook county suburbs. As you know, chicago is a hub for rail, air, and truck transportation. Our communities deal with both the good and bad of that. My neighborhood, little village, has some of the highest asthma and respiratory diseases in the country. Unfortunately, pollution from our transit corridors, a place a big role in their. We have to be honest about the policies that lead us hear and deliberate about setting a new path. Mister secretary, approximately how much of iija money is going to expand highways and add lanes . I would have to pull the exact funding and of course some of that will depend on how the States Project sponsors choose to allocate funding that can go either toward transit or highways, in a formula case. On the discretionary side, it could go toward projects that are more or less highway intensive. When i will say, also, is that this legislation gives us the means to look beyond the 19 50s, 60s, or 70s mentality on transportation that often really subjected any mode other than single occupancy vehicles to the backburner. When we do, as you wisely note, the benefit is not only in terms of more convenient, equitable, and decent ways to get around, but also the physical health of the people who are subjected to as many emissions as we have a more thoughtful and more wideranging options for people moving around, including active transportation and excellent public transit. Excellent point. Mister secretary, the ghg performance measure is a great step. But what else is d. O. T. Doing to ensure that the iija is part of the solution to emissions and Climate Change . Certainly, i would point to the Carbon Reduction Program. Which provides funding for the purpose of making transportation investments that reduce the Carbon Intensity of the u. S. Transportation sector. But that is fire from the openly set of resources that is going to make a big difference. Again, pretty much any investment you make in transit is likely to reduce Carbon Emissions, but its much more so on investments like the low and now a mission bust program. Which helps local jurisdictions a transit authorities to acquire clean, efficient electric or otherwise low emission buses for their routes. Saving taxpayers money in the long run when they do so. We have 7. 5 billion dollars for building out the electric charging infrastructure across the country. Including, importantly, 2. 5 billion, which is allowing us to make Community Charging investments. Knowing that there are some places, often low income places, where fuel savings might mean the most to a family if they can access and ev. But where it might not yet be profitable to install one. , so we think we can buy down that and stimulate access to evs in multi family dwelling, for example. And the dense neighborhoods. Just as we are building at that Network Across the u. S. On the longer stretch of highway. So, just about every corner of our infrastructure policy holds the promise of helping us combat the climate challenge. And we are committed to making sure that we do everything that the law provides for us to do in that regard. Absolutely. As you know, the transportation secretary is one of the most unionized actors in the country. Can you speak to how you are going to put those principles into practice . Yes, we know that it is vitally important to do so. I think that what we really need to make sure of this to engage all of the players who have an opportunity to participate in the workforce of the future. Because this is not just a question of fairness, although that is reason enough to ensure that we are bringing in people from backgrounds that have been excluded from these labor opportunities in the past. And supporting high paying, and good jobs with the opportunity to join a union. But its also simply going to be necessary for us to get the work done, because this will require more of the American People and the American Workforce than perhaps any national undertaking since world war ii. Thank you, mister secretary. And mister chair, i yield back. Thank you. China recognize miss vandyne for five minutes. Thank you very much, mister chairman. I appreciate you being here today, secretary buttigieg. Good to see you again, im always gonna call you mary because thats how i know you. I appreciate you coming to the dfw airport, and im glad you are able to meet with my colleague from texas. Dfw airport as my tab in the middle of my district, im a former board member so, next time you come to town, more than 24 hours notice would be appreciated to make sure im actually there. Interesting comment about the evs earlier from my colleague from new jersey. The quote was made that, as more people buy evs, the price of gas goes down. Correct me if im mistaken, but we have more people driving ev is now that we have had in our history. And i havent seen anything but gas prices go up. Another concern, as we continue to see the advent of incentives for evs, they seem to be getting a free ride on our highways even because of their weight, overwhelming weight compared to gas guzzling, to use that quote, vehicles. There are no data causing more damage to the roads. So, are you concerned that the weight of the evs and their lack of paying for the roads that theyre driving on my chief concern is, okay, if less people pay gas taxes because theyre driving evs, theyre causing more maintenance and we dont have i want, and as you point out, evs dont pay, a fully electric vehicle, youre not paying the gas tax. Which is traditionally how we have funded the highway trust fund. On the other hand, we know that ultimately there will be less expense to medicaid, for example, for fewer children suffering from asthma as a consequence of living areas with a lot of traffic with traditional combustion vehicles. We know that there are very real dollar and cent costs to allowing Climate Change to accelerate. So, we need to balance those. Im concerned now on paying for our infrastructure bill, this massive infrastructure bill we just passed. He just took away the pay for it if youre incentivizing them to pay for evs. We have no pay now, and theyre causing considerable damage on the roads. Right, so, a couple things here. One, as you know, iija said hes not increase user fees but other sources of funding in order to make those investments. But to, this legislation, falling in line with previous transportation bills, created pilots for states to look at alternatives for how they want to fund the roads, for those that rely on gas taxes. As many states do. And we recognize, different states are going to come up with different proteins, here we think will learn a lot from them. I think its relatively early in that process, but were interested to see the problem with being early in the process is that weve already passed a bill, we just dont have any way of paying for it. So, while we can set of these test projects and other, states the fact is that we will already have debt and have no paying for it. Its not the way of no paying for, it we just will have less revenue from electric vehicles into the particular pay for that has been favored by congress in the past. So, were going to find it somewhere else on the budget. Right. Typically, its been general funded thats one way to do it, but far from the only way. In many instances, you are empowered a directed by congress to ensure that federal laws protect transportation workers, passengers and the movement of goods. Consistently and its up to protect the state of congress and prevent a state or Circuit Court from making decisions that would impact the entire country, or from creating conflicting standards around the country. We should make an appliance confusing, impossible or unnecessarily costly. Are you concerned about the challenges to the federal authority that would create a patchwork of state regulations . And, specifically, im talking about whats happening in california. So, there is always a balance that we know has to be struck, principally, between congress and the courts on and the states, on wet ought to be a federal power and whatnot to be a state power. We think that, often, things seem to go best when the federal standard amounts to a floor, not a ceiling. And then, some states who want to make sure that there is even more done for the wellbeing of their workers or for health or whatever the particular thing is that they regulate. Im sorry, my time is rapidly going down. But do you know how many d. O. T. Registered Motor Carriers have only one truck . No, i dont. So, its about 300,000. As we continue to see crisis after crisis with our supply chain, what would happen to our supply chain at this country and Business Centers of the u. S. Were to banned their ability work as independent contractors for large Motor Carriers . We certainly find a way for them to work effectively. If not in traditional models, the new ones. But, again, that something thats being resolved between the courts and the state right now. Were not party to that litigation. So, you dont think the d. O. T. Has any play in what is happening to cut our supply chain, country wide . Well, of course we have a lot of plane would have the store supply chain, thats why i work on it all the time. Just not party to the litigation. No, but are you planning on getting involved in all . Were just waiting for the courts to decide . Were working on dozens of things related to truck driver availability. But at this particular regard, were not privy to the litigation. Gentlewomans time has expired. Five minutes, mr. Auchincloss, you are recognized. Thank you, secretary. Welcome back, we appreciate your engagement in this hearing. For me, as someone whos worked in the future of mobility in the private sector, Public Sector and academia, it is heartening to have a secretary of transportation department, a former mayor, who took on parking minimums. And understands that we need to move our structure way from carcentric planning and development and towards a future of humancentric infrastructure and walkability. After the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, i held oneonone meetings with meetings of every city in my district here about the infrastructure priorities. There are a lot. One over arcade ones expanding Commuter Rail access. And newton, massachusetts, the Commuter Rail there, the three stations that comprise, it is not currently fully a va excessable. As your Department Prepares to release your nofo for the allstate excitability program, can you discuss both the timeline for applications well as the criteria is for local, state and federal alignment . Thank you. The all Stations Accessibility Program is going to provide dedicated resources to help upgrade legacy rail stations for people with disabilities. Its worth noting that a great many legacy rail stations were built before 1990 in a. D. A. , theyre not accessible. But 25 , 927 stations across 17 systems that remain inaccessible. Thats one of the reasons we understand the sense of agency about putting these dollars to work. This years slice of the program, based upon the Funding Congress provided, would be about 350 million. And we are close to being able to put out the notice of funding opportunity. Matteroffact, by the end of the month will be able to do that. Its a new Program Every time, we have over 42 programs. , course it takes a little more time to put together the new iterations of the program that been there all along. But i still believe will be able to make announcements by later on this year. The nofo, well have more information about how well be able to prioritize, but i expect will have a lot of applications. Because we know the need is great. Well, secretary, i welcome you in the district to come toward the newton Commuter Rail station and see the opportunities inherent in improving it. About to also ask you about micro transit. This technology has helped transform communities by providing affordable and flexible transit solutions, opted by ensuring critical connections to transit hubs and filling socalled transit deserts in underserved urban areas. My colleagues and i sent you a letter to provide flexibility in the iija programs for the inclusion of ottoman transit. Id appreciate your thoughts on how the departments going to support and encourage the use of micro transit across the country as you implement the iija. So, weve seen how beneficial but how filled with potential micro transit is. I think its also safe to say it just wasnt what folks had in mind, when most of our u. S. Transportation policy and legislation was set up. Part of what were trying to do is find ways to flex funding within existing programs, to make clear when we are confident that the law will allow for that jurisdictions can allow for this. A good example is sea mac, congestion mitigation air quality funding, has a lot of flexibility. But working with, ways we think we could do that in a number of existing programs like that our Safety Improvement program. And work it into some of the new ones were bringing online, like the safe streets for all program. Weve seen successful micro Mobility Programs all over the country, including, i would note, nonexistent cities where i think people easily imagined scooters or ebikes being used. But also rural areas, from alabama to delaware. We also have some fta researcher demonstration funds that, in certain circumstances, can be used to help here. I think this really is part of the answer in the long run for how that first or last mile works for people interacting with transit systems, going forward. So, we want to do everything we can to be flexible and supportive here. Thats terrific. Id also at that, in addition to micro mobility, on demand transit as well to fix those transit deserts are critical. I wouldnt give you, secretary, the last 30 seconds talk about airlines to having. I know youre frustrated, my constituents are frustrated, but the cancellations. Can you explain what youre working on this summer . Thank you. We are especially concerned after the Memorial Day Travel weekend it all the disruptions that happen here. Its clear that, while we welcome the fact that demand has returned, passengers are going back on those vacations they had put off either because of financial or direct covid concerns, or both, were seeing now that airlines arent prepared to meet that demand in many cases. Also, weve seen a number of steps and says conversations that i had with Airline Leadership that i think a very positive. Its an increased pay, including a lot of regional carriers which has studied most hold on to pilots. Weve seen more attention going into Customer Service and staffing Customer Service. On the faa side, were working on anything we can do to make sure that air Traffic Control resources are allocated in ways that are helpful too. Secretary, im overtimes, i have to cut you off there. Maybe another member will give you more time to talk by airlines to, having but i yield back, madam chair. Thank you. The gentleman yields back. I recognize mr. Rouzer for five minutes. Thank you, madam chair. Mister secretary, great to see you, good to have you here in person in the committee. In fact, i think this might be one of the First Committee hearings weve had where the witnesses have been here ive or the witnesses here live. So, thank you for being here. Ill get right to the point, but ill preface that, with this, we all understand that you need to have rules for the road. But you dont necessarily need a stoplight every ten feet. Thats kind of summing up my philosophy, as it relates to regulatory structure. To that end, i note that, according to the council of the environmental quality, the average time for an e i. S. Or Environmental Impact statement under the nepa process with more than seven years under the Highway Administration projects before the Trump Administration streamlined nepa in 2020. As you know, this administration has reversed those efforts as it relates to nepa. Im curious, how do we reconcile the immediate need for big Infrastructure Projects with the administrations efforts to prolong and really delay important projects. You know, time is money and there are a number of us that feel like those nepa reforms were very much needed and very helpful, had theyve been allowed to be implemented fully rather than being reversed. We think we can deliver projects promptly and swiftly without swirling environmental or other concerns at the window. We are committed to finding ways to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Bipartisan infrastructure law provides a lot of the terms for doing that, including a short clock on a process that we met within 60 days on categorical solutions, as well as things that are going to be more long term in terms of measures to make the process easier to navigate or simpler in some way. I want to point out that on our transportation, certainly our federal highway programs, 90 of them fall under a category of no solution, which means we can turn that around in about a month. There are those longery i. S. And va processes where the, as you say, time is money and its very important, while meeting the requirements, and making sure the process has been followed, that there is no unnecessary delay or redundancy. I think, again, the infrastructural incentive sets us up for that by calling for that twoyear median or average where we are working to make sure we are on track for that and other measures could help to. All that sounds good. I dont really think in practicality thats true in the case. For times sake, i need to move on to a couple other things. With regard to the shoreline freight rail industry, a couple things as it relates to this. Obviously, youre familiar with that consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program, the infrastructure bill added some more resources for that. Can you comment on the departments commitment toward using that particular program to invest in key safety goals, like allowing short line freight rail to upgrade and make important repairs . A quick followup to that, do you agree the Program Helps short line railroads improve the efficiency of the supply chain . Thanks for the question. I think shoreline railroads are more important than ever, as weve seen in the new context of the supply chain. We need to make sure were supporting them. A had the pleasure of visiting one in michigan. We know they are similar ones across the country. When it comes to the chrissy program, which our last round was 368 million. We will have that much more funding, thanks to the bipartisan law. We certainly see this is gonna be a very important source of support for all railroads, certainly given thats the, case im a little bit perplexed, though, that the department is moving forward with a new crew staffing rule that could require railroads to hire more personnel or operate with more people on a train then is necessary. If that goes forward, every time it could force hundreds of Small Businesses, short Economic Management decisions, instead of putting those resources into Capital Improvements to track, for example, structures critical for the efficient movement of goods and services. Why is u. S. D. O. T. Considering enforcing the Small Businesses to hire workers they dont need, when in fact, quite frankly, its hard to find a worker anyway . The reason for the rule is safety. I dont want to preempt whats coming. I think any day now in terms of nprm, well have the report specifics. The attention here is to make sure that we continue to meet our fundamental obligations in the department to ensure that we have safety for workers and anybody who comes into contact with our rail system. While being as straightforward as reasonable as possible for the benefit of the Good Movement fluidity. Again, that sounds. Good i dont necessarily think, in fact i know, thats not necessary. They ought to be allowed to invest their resources in areas where its going to create more efficiency and allow for supply chain challenges. Madam chair, my time is expired. I yield back. Gentleman yields back. I recognize miss bourdeaux. You are recognized for five minutes. Okay, thank you so. Much thank you, madam chairman. Thank you members for holding todays hearing and thank you secretary buttigieg for being here today. Mister secretary, i want to start by thanking you for visiting the seventh Congressional District last summer. It was a pleasure to have you and showing you all the innovation around Autonomous Vehicles and electric charging and please know that you are always welcome back. Last, year members of this committee and our colleagues in the senate came together to pass Infrastructure Investment jobs act, a historic and bipartisan once in a Generation Investment in our nations physical infrastructure. Like many of my colleagues here today, i was proud to support this legislation and im grateful for the administrations partnership and getting the money out the door to our partners on the ground. Theres a lot to talk about here. Just a focus on a couple issues that are really important to georgias seventh Congressional District, when it is micro transit and the other is electric vehicle. I know youve already answered some of my questions about micro transit, my colleagues asked them earlier. I want to reiterate, its very, very important. My district is a suburban community. Its been hard to get consensus around bus rapid transit, other forms of transit. Micro transit is very, very helpful, particularly for our cities, to form these important hubs all over the district. I hear from people all the time about how much they really appreciate the micro transit. They are able to get in, how much more they would like to see of that particular innovation in our community. Talking about electric vehicles, a very proud of the National Electric vehicle Infrastructure Program. Im glad to see the state of georgia receive nearly 20 million in fiscal year 22 as part of 135 million over five years to support efforts to expand ev charging across the state. Touching on that for a few minutes, can you talk about the hurdles, getting the new National Electric vehicle Infrastructure Program off the ground . And then, how the administration has prioritized Consumer Experience to ensure its easy, consistent, and members of their current experience at the pump . Thank. You first of all, thank you for the great visit we head to georgia. Very impressive things we saw, both in terms of policy and technology on the ground. And, as your question hints, there is tons of opportunity, but a lot of challenge, in getting it right with this electric vehicle infrastructure, especially because weve not had Something Like this at scale in the u. S. Its very different from the infrastructure for fuel and gas cars. We need to be mindful of that as we go. One thing we are thinking about in particular in regard to the Consumer Experience is making sure that these charging stations are inter operable and are available. You can imagine, if you are taking a road trip and every third or fourth gas pump didnt work, or if you had to be a member of a particular gas station chain in order to even use the pump, that would not be positive or efficient experience. In some places, in some cases in the past, thats whats some ev drivers have faced. And so, we need to make sure that we are not only getting the dots in the right places on the maps, but paying attention to the quality as well as the quantity of these ev charging stations, especially those that would be supported with taxpayer funds. Those are some of the things that are on our mind as we work in close collaboration with my colleagues in the department of energy through these issues. I have to say, it is, in my view, a remarkably positive example of inter agency cooperation, to see how the department of energy has teamed up with the d. O. T. To work through these issues. Somewhere where we have more expertise, somewhere they have more expertise. Puts our Heads Together and keep the plan going to meet the president s goals. Just a followup on that, we recently had a company rollout of Innovative Electric charging infrastructure that could be deployed to gas stations or convenience stores. The challenges the grid, the ability to plug into the grid. If we could get the basic technology on the ground. Whats going on with that . How are you all thinking about integrating the overhaul of the grid, as required, in order to support electric vehicle charging . There is no way were going to be able to run tomorrows cars on yesterdays grid. Its one of the reasons why we are thankful for the ways that the infrastructure law contemplates and supports upgrades for americas electrical infrastructure. Here, i will yield to the department of energy, which has more of the daytoday expertise on this work. Again, we are integrating it with our work on the ev side through that joint office. We know thats vitally important because we need to have the electric, the backbone of electric infrastructure to support the electric charging infrastructure that would fund it. The gentlemans time has expired. I recognize miss steel for five minutes. Thank you, madam chair. Thank you Ranking Member reyes. Once again, california state has 40 of nations imported goods and 30 of the nations exported goods moving through two of its ports, los angeles and long beach. Is implementing a v five, a law that no person in the nations supply chain crisis, by a pending the independent contractor model used by the Trucking Industry. Mister secretary, as a v five would impact 70,000 truckers alone, just in california, what is your department doing to lessen the impact of this bill on our National Economy . The availability of tracking workers is critically important part of the supply chain challenge. Its one of the reasons why weve been working on this from day one, taking measures both to help recruit new Truck Drivers and support the kind of job eQuality Improvements that would help us to retain more Truck Drivers. Our bureau transportation statistics estimates that 3000 people lead the profession on a yearly basis. Weve taken steps that have successfully helped to move the needle on some of those systems make challenges. We are going to continue those efforts. They are all in line with the president s trucking action plan. We will continue doing that as we wait for more information and guidance from the state of california about state policies. This shortage of drivers is part of it. Not just the shortage of drivers, but in california, these independent truckers cannot really come in. You are cochair on supply chain i know that you developed the trucking action plan. But you and other members of the administration encouraged that International Long shore and Warehouse Union and Pacific Maritime association to come to the table to two get freight flowing through l. A. And long beach. Why arent you doing the same for independent truckers . As of now, we have so much shortage of Truck Drivers. These independent truckers that cant come in, i think its gonna reduce our supply chain prices much more. Why shouldnt they get the same type of exemptions that gig workers and entertainers get the law . Again, to the extent that this is a state law, we respect the role of the state of california. We are in touch with them and we know that they have indicated that the California Labor agency is working with those who need assistance coming in compliance. They are looking at the supply chain factors as well. This is one piece of a very big puzzle. We are doing everything we can on the pieces that are up to us federally, while respecting the areas in which we are not formally part of the process. Youre not really working over the past week here, youve never had a meeting with the hand. You know, but he cannot actually declare a state of emergency by past av. Five a little more of these supply chain crises. You never really did that. With that California Trucking Association sued, the Supreme Court refused to hear what thats going to impact impacting for the supply chain crisis. Again, we are not part of the lawsuit that you referred to. We are not a party to it. It doesnt have a federal procedural role in that sense. We are, obviously, continuing to monitor everything and anything that can we put into our ports or any parts of the Goods Movement system in the u. S. We will work with any party that has ideas or needs in order to make sure that goods keep moving as they need to. Just my last question. So you have a communication between governors of california and the Governors Office and your department to solve this problem . So, we will respect the role of the state but always be prepared to engage on anything we can do to be supportive or helpful toward the goal of making sure there is good through put. Thank you very much. I yield back. The gentlewoman yields back. I recognize mr. Desaulnier for five minutes. You are recognized. Thank you, madam chairwoman, i appreciate that. Mister secretary, its delightful to see you. Thank you for a really extraordinary work on this, we miss, i think, some of my colleagues have mentioned the historic nature of this and how difficult its been for both republican and democratic administrations to get this bill. I want to specifically talk to you as somebody who served three different governors in the california resorts with floyd and served on the california transportation commission. Thats put a lot of time in the last 25 years under alternative fuels and our renewable portfolio standard. I was also the author of some of the conversation in the legislature about the v m t bill, with the full expectation that that is where we would recover our funding. California has 42 of the ev and feels whole market in the United States. But we have the chicken and egg problem with infrastructure. , so i want to talk to you about that. I was very, very happy that a bill thats a priority of mine was incorporated into the infrastructure bill, the clean corridors bill. To provide this infrastructure, we have a proportioned amount of infrastructure. But putting it in the right place, to make it effective, we can see this in the private sector and, madam chair, id like to submit for the record an article from forbes magazine. Its entitled every automakers ev plans through 2035 and beyond, if i could. It has been received. Thank you. Let me just read, this is from forbes magazine. So, for my colleagues who wonder whether marketplaces going and respects the marketplace, the marketplace is clearly going away from internal combustion engines. Theres a place for, it a transition, but this isnt pie in the sky, as somebody whos been involved in this and realizes the frustration with battery technology. We are also just on the cusp of exponential change on affordability and range and durability on battery electric. So, the beginning sentence of this article in forbes magazines, and i quote, there is no longer any doubt that the Auto Industry is going electric. So, to your point about brandeis and states being the laboratories of discovery, i understand that different states are going to have different pathways. We are, as you im sure now, in places like the bay area, early adapters. Car companies tell me, that thats why were moving to this. Its not better or worse, just the marketplace. So, how do we get this infrastructure in a thoughtful way out, to make it work . The chinese are adding 4000 evs stations a day. Theyre adding over 100,000 ev and feel solicitations a month. We have a little over 100,000 in the United States. So, the private sectors going into trying to fill this out but, when i talk to the private sector, but the Car Manufacturers and the energy manufacturers, we in california have a renewable portfolio standard. So, its not going to 50 by 2030. From well to wheel, getting that energy clean and efficient. The point i think we miss here is the importance of our economy to transition to this energy source, and to do it efficiently. So, how do we do that and a significant investment in this bill that you have been such a leader on . And do it, but in a thoughtful way, those 12 states that represent over 60 of gdp and a Vehicle Market in the United States, that follows carps leadership under the california waiver, the clean air act, how do we strategically do this . So, i agree that one thing is certain, that this is where the industry is headed and the world is headed. I think, that well that one thing is certain, at least three important things are not. Would have been quickly enough to meet our climate challenge . It happened in a way that america leads . It will happen in a way that its equitable for everyone . Those are the considerations that guide our involvement. They things like the federal support for charging stations. If we get it, right what we will be doing is accelerating it so it helped us meet our climate goals. Presenting an american alternative to the chinese model that you mentioned is gathering steam there. And reaching people that otherwise might be left out of the transition, at least in its early stages. Knowing some of the upfront costs that are involved, knowing that charging infrastructure isnt often available in lower income areas, even though, provided they could afford to purchase or use ev, its low income drivers would benefit most from the field savings that come from having one. So, those are the principles that guide the way that we are framing about the five billion dollars and formula funds that the states will executed coating their plans, and then the 2. 5 billion for discretionary work that will effectively filling the gaps in communities. We think, taken together, we have the tools of allows to that stimulate that much more private sector involvement to. Which can help make sure we actually do this as quickly as the economy and the climate needs to. Thank you. Exciting, i yield back. Gentlemans time has expired. I recognize mr. Webber for five minutes. Thank you, madam chairman. Mister secretary, good to see you here today. I want to close some of the things he said in your comments at the very end. Together, we have the opportunity to improve countless lives, support good paying jobs, strengthen americas manufacturers, modernize our infrastructure for decades to come and cement americas position as a world leading economy. All good goes. We recognize the administrations aim at theyre saying in ghg is and cut it down as many renewables as possible. Im a from texas, galveston, texas, we produce about 75 of the nations jet fuel to the six ports i represent. More than any other member of congress. So, energy for us is a big deal. Texas is the number one wind energy state in the country. I think you might have alluded to, or somebody else did, we are number two in solar panels, right behind california. But were working on, that will get there, well get there. So, i appreciate you being here and bring battle up. I want to bring a couple projects your attention that are called sea port oil terminals. What they do is move product through a tight pipeline, pardon me, off the shore, could be 15, 20, 30 miles. What happens then, pardon me, is they move the product cleaner. Were going to be using oil and natural gas for a while, a long while. Youre seeing without me overseas, youve got to know the europeans would rather buy from us than russia. But i tell people is that fossil fuels, theyre not the enemy. Greenhouse admissions, gases, admissions are. Were able to produce a cleaner then probably most other countries in the world. So, we have a chance to move this product offshore. We move it, pastors gets to the very large crude containers offshore. Right now, the other countries in the world are building huge ships and they cant come up our canals and our channels and ports. What has to happen is they take smaller ships and they have to go back and forth numbers of times while this huge container sits at their, diesel engines idling most of the time. Then, youre going to have small ships that have to wait three or four trips with diesel engines idling. So, we can move it faster, with less Greenhouse Gas emissions. We can move it safer, theres not as many 18 wheeler on the road, no 18 wheeler crashes, take cars overturning. I think you talk to mr. Graves about his district with a wreck in his district. You have to recognize our analysts are in the world like this. And it helps us with our balance and trade, we get to refine product moved inside around the world. With the decades to come, were going to have a lot of natural gas, Clean Natural gas, and you notice, a lot of the ships are converting to lng. So, we want this ability. All that to say that a couple of these businesses have been in contact with your chief of staff, i believe its laura schiller, is she with you today . Shes not here today, but she is our chief of staff. She had a good enough sense to stay away from this place, didnt she . And then i think your general counsel, john putnam, is he with you today . Im not at the hearing, i dont think. I keep him pretty busy back at headquarters. All that to say, we talked about the permitting process today with some of our colleagues up here, and wed like to move that as quickly as we can. Because time is of the essence and we want to make sure that we can reduce that permitting process time down to the least amount. Everyone wants a clean environment, you probably dont notice about the gulf coast of texas but we have a lot of hunters, fishermen, stuff like that. We want good, clean, pristine lands to do all those things to pass on to our kids. So, would id like to do is give you this, its actually a report on what we call spot, the seaport oil terminal. A project in the national interest. Because we can produce a cleaner, faster, helps us with their imbalance of trade and actually does a good job for the economy while protecting the environment. And then, see if i could follow back up with you in the coming days to see if you can kind of give me an update on where both of these projects are. And any questions for you, weve got 23 seconds. Id be happy to do that, i know we have a lot of permits or license requests in with the maritime administration. We have to find out where these two sit among those and certainly appreciate the complexity of the transition youre describing. Well, thank you, mister secretary. Thank you for being here, ill get this over to you and i yield back. Gentlemans time has expired. I recognize mr. Moulton for five minutes, you are recognized, mr. Milton. Thank you very much, madam chair. Mister secretary, good to see, you thank you very much for being here. The iija appropriated more money for investing in rail than ever before in our nations history. President biden vowed to, quote, make sure america has the cleanest, safest and fastest railed system in the world. Will this indeed be the administrations legacy . How will you fulfill the administrations promise, the president s promise . Thank you. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities here for Passenger Rail, as you know. In any other administration i might count myself the biggest enthusiast, but alone may ever be second place in this administration in terms of readiness and commitment to seeing america have the highest quality rail. As you mentioned, we have unprecedented resources to work with here. The most since the inception of amtrak itself. A lot of that is, candidly, dealing with backlog, dealing with the under investment that has happened in the past. Also opportunities for new high speed rail in the u. S. We think that seeing is believing. The sooner people can see successful higher speed rail deployed on american soil have made this case for a long time, i completely agree with you. And the main appropriations hearing on the d. O. T. Budget, you said that, through the iija, you have to establish high speed rail in, quote, at least two or three geographies. If you identify those quarters yet . So, i can tell you that f r a has been a dialogue with a number of projects sponsors or involved in some way in a number of highspeed projects. Certainly, of course, california, which has been discussed here. The west division, dallas to houston, those have all been on fra the desk in one way or another. But of course, were still early in the life of the deployment of the federal state partnership dollars and other resources that could make a difference here. And i dont to prejudice any upcoming applications. I understand. But were not early in the administrations timeline, here these projects take some time and i just want to emphasize that, if this is going to be President Bidens legacy, if President Biden is going to be known as the father of developing rail in the United States, not the oldfashioned rail that we have but high speed rail that is truly the envy of the world and that a lot of americans actually want to ride, then weve got to get cracking on identifying those quarters. Yesterday, dozens and dozens of flights were canceled on the northeast corridor, mine among them, because of a strange and unusual phenomenon called thunderstorms. The rest of the world would be able to get from washington to boston in three hours on a train every 20 minutes. With never a delay for weather. Not only are we not there, but we are moving in the wrong direction. And 20, ten interactive post reducing travel times in the northeast quarter to one hour and 36 minutes from washington d. C. York and one hour 24 minutes from new york to boston. Yet, seven years later, in 2017, trip time goals went up. From 1 36 to 2 10. And from one 24 to 45, almost three hours. Just a year later, they increased again to 2 29 and 308. So, were not only behind china and the rest of the world, were going in the wrong direction. At this point, the goals amtrak says ten years from now will be worse than how long it takes to travel that rollercoaster ride on the northeast quarter today. So, to meet the president s promise of the Fastest Trains in the world, we need a transformative investment. Not just preparing an old line that is too slow, by definition, by the way it was laid out in the 1830s. But actually building a new railway. The same way that we didnt just prepare route one, he built 95. So, how will you make that happen with a Discretionary Fund and the Infrastructure Investment in jobs act . With the dollars that we have in the northeast corridor, first there are some needs that need to be met in terms of safety and reliability for the long run. But we really begin to start getting minutes in a couple of ways. One is improving certain areas where there is, just because of the condition of the track, they need to slow down. The other, to your point, where you see the most possibility for games actual realignment. That, obviously, brings a lot of complexity with it. To meet the more aggressive and ambitious goals, we need to take with a dollars as far as they will go that direction. I know thats whats amtrak is working out right. Now lets make sure that we dont throw good money off the bat. Thats the key point here. If were gonna fulfill the president s promise of the Fastest Trains in the world, then they are not going to run on the oldfashioned northeast corridor. We cant spread funds out every state in the union. Weve got to pick a couple high speed rail projects that will succeed. Americans can see the value of high speed rail, whether you live in california or the northeast, or in texas, or in the southeast. You know, the most popular high speed rail corridor in the world is about the same distance as atlantas the chicago. Think about all the cities in between chicago and atlanta that you could serve with 250 mile service. It would be transformative for this country. Thank you mister chair. A gentlemans time has expired. I recognize miss you are recognized for five minutes. Thank you, mister secretary, for being here today. I want to talk about this administration and new york citys latest scheme when it comes to that war on cars. This is a pure cash grab. It is the congestion pricing plan that was passed by the new york state legislator and signed by our governor and supported by the mayor. I am certainly a post. I think this is simply to try to impose a 35dollar fee, potentially, to connect, to drive within your own city, is just completely outrageous and adds to why new york is such a high tax state. Not only dealing with a high gas prices, the highest probably among, one of the highest in the nation, but high tolls. We have the skyrocketing costs of used cars, everything has gone up in terms of if you want to be a driver. People need to drive to get where they have to go. Particularly in cash starved communities. In new york city, we also have speed cameras. You name, it we have it. If its gonna collect cash, unfortunately. This is when i seem to believe is another cash grab by our city and state. Its going to be the first in the nation. Okay . With that i understand that also the federal Highway Administration has a responsibility to oversee an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact statement. I believe that is going to be the first in the nation, we have the responsibility to do our Due Diligence and be conducting Environmental Impact statements versus a simple assessment. Can you be can you please talk about what you will be requiring for the empty and new york city to be conducting a full and thorough east as well as, it should be an Economic Impact study as well . Our responsibilities to make sure that a project that comes forward with local sponsorship and interest like that congestion pricing project meets all federal, legal requirements, including underneath. I cant say here whether waste, on sitting, here all the things that go into the determination of whether its the va track or the fully i. S. When i can say is that our department will bring its best judgment to making sure that it goes through the appropriate process. Our role is to make sure that all those federal hurdles are responsibly met. But recognizing and respecting that ultimately this is a local policy choice. Yes, but, first of all, there is bipartisan opposition among legislators and members of congress from the new york, new jersey area, as it will have a Significant Impact on our constituents who are already struggling to get by and make ends meet. Earlier this year, the empty h e figs echoed in general labor said in an interview that the told her they were going to fasttrack environmental process. Can you make a commitment that you will require an Environmental Impact study, a full and thorough review, being that this is the first in the Nation Program that is not all my constituents want to be guinea pigs we need to do this right. I believe we should be doing it at all. If youre gonna do it, do the Due Diligence in making sure we are dotting our eyes crossing our ts, and seeing with the actual impact will be on businesses, on the surrounding community, on the residents that lived in the Central District the other residents from the outer boroughs to have to commute in. I can commit to that review will be proper and throw. No unnecessary delays, but no cut corners either. Will you do an Environmental Impact study the, a complete steady, not just an assessment . Thats the real question. Again, the legal determination about whether it falls into an pa or any of us is not one that i want to make sitting here. I can tell you that the review, either way, it will be proper and throw on our part. If its gonna be proper and thorough, that would be the yes. Anyone looking at this is an observer. Lets move on to the public comments. How are you going to make sure that the public knows that this process is fair . That is transparent . That its not coming at a predisposed arrival but, a determination already . Again, our role here is procedural. It has to do with making sure the process has been met, and not preempting a local decision about what the right policy is. I know there are strong views on all sides that cut across party lines and even across state and regional lines when it comes to this price this project in particular. We recognize that the state and local role is distinct from the federal role. Ours is to make sure there is transparency and thoroughness. Okay. Lastly, the federal Highway Authority Administration Rather required emptier to answer 430 technical questions after they submitted their draft of the eight. These have not been made public or available to congress. Can you share those questions and answers that you received with the public . I will look into the right process for getting those out. All right, if we believe in transparency, we want to make sure we get that information out to the public domain. I would appreciate your assistance with that. My time has run out. Thank you. The gentlemans time is expired. I recognize mr. Fitzpatrick. Youre recognized for five minutes. Thank you, madam chair. Mister buttigieg, thanks for being here. Good to see you. I wanna start by thanking you for your collaboration on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. It was a lot of work, a lot of collaboration. You worked great with our office. I want to thank you for your role. I think its gonna really help america. Two questions. One, i dont think its a fair question, because we just sent this letter last week, but i want to bring it to your attention. An f r administrator bows and the public nuisance and safety risk posed by blocked railroads crossings. Ive had to deal with it in my district, im sure im not alone for sure. Upwards of an hour, these instances keep communities like mine and others across the country cut off from commercial government and even more significantly, emergency services, ambulances, fire trucks, whatnot. I want to submit this to the record, weve sent it to you, but i know how agencies work. It might not have made its way to you. Just to give a general update on the portal authorized by the i ha section 22404, to address mechanisms or formulas that could measure the real impact of obstructions at Railroad Crossings. Madam chair, do i have permission to submit this for the record . Accepted. My question, mister secretary, i want to discuss secondary measures. The tremendous work many years ago, most if not all those recommendations were adopted by congress and implemented as part of our commitment to say never again to allow terrorist in frustrated commercial airliner like a guided missile. Even though this was included as a requirement for new aircraft in the last faa reauthorization nearly four years, ago application this medic has been very slow and inconsistent, i can tell you myself and my Problem Solver cochair have been working very hard. Weve had frustrating results across multiple administrations, to be frank. We are hoping we can finally fix this. Since coming to congress, weve advocated for this, both of us. On 9 11, my constituent, capture he was the pilot of flight 175, the whole world watched him crashed into the second tower. I was just wondering, mister secretary, half 1 million or you are with this, how much you are tracking it amongst a lot of things you are dealing with . If youd be willing to work with us as well to get this done . This is a bipartisan issue. Its really incredible that decades after 9 11 the most basic safety precaution is not being implemented. Its been blocked for all reasons for special interests that dont want to for the wrong reasons. All of us have flown, weve watched the exchange when the cockpit door opens for a pilot to go to the restroom, or whatnot. All that is placed there in the current policies airline attendant. 20 years after 9 11, its really unacceptable. Such an easy fix. Its something thats already been approved and authorized in new aircraft. Would you want to work with us on getting that done and also getting retrofit for current aircraft . You havent either comments or the issue . Yes, we are following this policy. I know there is a great deal of impatience, which i share, about making sure that this is delivered, especially knowing that its called for a legislation met with advocates as well as experts on this. Its being taken very seriously. The faa is working toward getting that rule making advanced. Certainly, we welcome the chance to work with you to make sure the complexities are handled in the right way and that there is transparency around the timeline. Thank, you. Sir you, know just like all these tragic incidents, whether they be School Shootings or acts of terrorism, when we say never again, its got to be never again. The 9 11 commission did tremendous work. This is one of the few, if possibly the only one, the committees recommendations that has not been implemented. I fear that, you know, given how many years have passed since the last terror attack, to the credit of a lot of our National Security agencies have avoided, that that we are still vulnerable because human instinct is to drop your guard when youve kept it up for so long. Im fearful this is an instance in which we are exposed to a terror attack once again. I hope you are willing to work with us, which you said you are, and i appreciate. That if you could just like this for your people, i would appreciate. Thank you. Madam chair, i yield. Back the gentleman yields back. I recognize mr. Stauber for five minutes. You are recognized mr. Stauber. Thank you madam chair, mister secretary thanks for coming today. You are aware of the transportation issues. You know with the most inland port in north americas, or actually in the United States, is . Im guessing its in minnesota. Do you know where . The most inland measure from the coast, from the great lakes . The port of duluth superior. Im very proud to use represent that. A lot of commodities and economic value come to and from. I also appreciate your support from the selects, that money has got to continue, that helps the midwest. I want to talk to you a little bit about the chip shortage. As you know, we want to reshore it. I think when you reach or it, i think you also have to reassure the minerals. Youre aware, maybe im going to make you aware, that the biggest Copper Nickel find in america is in northeastern minnesota, which we call the iron range. The iran range has mind 80 , the irony or that makes 80 of americas steel. If we have buy america provisions, we have to have the iron range full steam ahead. Would you agree with that . I dont want to weigh in outside of my lane in terms of production. I certainly agree that we need to make sure we are on shoring or reshoring Raw Materials that are going and we have to keep our iron industry front and center, thats a strategic National Security. So, when you talk about the chips, you know the forward f150 gasoline has 300 ships. And the ev has 3000. When you take Critical Minerals off line, you will allow for an adversarial countries to mind that. Im gonna give you an example. Cobalt. The vast majority of cobalts mind in the congo using child forced labor. I think you would agree, wed rather mind those minerals in the United States under the best environmental and labor standards. With that be correct, mister secretary . Yes, if we have a chance to source any of these, we would prefer it be in the u. S. Your Administration Just took 234,000 acres of opportunity to mine Critical Minerals. Let me tell you about the duluth complex. Its 95 of our nickel reserve. 88 of our cobalt. Over one third of our copper. Other platinum metals. Your administration wont even allow an e i. S. On a project specific review. You were just talking about an east. You know, mister secretary, that the i. S. Is the highest look from the federal government . They wont even allow a project specific review of an e i. S. Uninviting project. When you want to transition, and when we transition to electric vehicles, why dont we have an administration that supports mining in the United States . And by the way, there is a project Labor Agreement in that. All union labor from northern minnesota. Hundreds of jobs and secondary jobs. I would just submit to you that we need to mine in the u. S. We hold the destiny in the palm of our own hands. The administration doesnt seem to understand that. I would ask you this, and i think i know the answer, you do not support slave labor, is that correct . Of course. Of course. A guy. This administration doesnt understand, we cant remove ourselves from child slave labor by mining in the United States and making sure allies get this Critical Minerals from countries like the United States. Amnesty international, nonpartisan, has said we have to stop allowing slave labor, child slave labor. I will submit to you, we are able, ready and willing, mister secretary, to mind these Critical Minerals. We have to have an administration that has the political will to do it. And it doesnt. In october of 2020, then candidate joe biden said to the American People, we are going to mind these minerals domestically. That was a breath of fresh air for northern minnesota in the iron range. Now, President Biden says we are going to source those minerals from foreign nations. That, mister secretary, is unacceptable. As what we talk about when we can on and use American Labor with the best standards of the world. I would ask you, to go back to your administration specifically, president of the United States, and allow us to mind is minerals here, in the United States. And i yield back. Thank you. Gentleman yields back. I recognize mr. Van drew, you are recognized for five minutes. [inaudible] your mic, sir. Thanks again for being here, now you can hear me. See, if you didnt say anything, i wouldve cut him a break. He couldve missed the whole thing. In my district of south jersey, the infrastructure law visiting the United States army corps of engineers was a major dredging project in new jerseys intercoastal waterway. The project will come at the clock maritime channels of the entire jersey shore. Little make my Community Safer and more prosperous. A lot is also provide funding for airports and roads, projects across my district. South jersey has many infrastructure needs. But i will continue to advocate for this infrastructure law, as it is implemented over the next five years. They supported this bipartisan infrastructure allow because it included conservative, conservative regulatory policies, negotiated by republicans. Including one federal decision. One federal decision cuts through red tape by requiring inter agency cooperation, limited paperwork and fixed permitting deadlines. This policy saves years of time and millions of dollars in the permitting of Infrastructure Projects. With inflation ravaging the country, it is in a critical situation that we need to reduce red tape. So that the funding increases and the infrastructure law is not outpaced. Thats why republican negotiators, including these conservative regulatory policies. My concern is that this administration is far more focused on spending money then on saving money. In that irresponsible mentality that irresponsible mentality could hinder the implementation of the infrastructure laws. One federal decision policy was put in place by President Trump in 2017, through executive order. President biden repealed it on his very first day in office, thanks to the infrastructure bill, one federal decision is now law. And it must be implemented. So, first question, mister secretary. You fully commit, fully commit, but youre proactively waiting to implement one federal decision in line with the letter of the law . Yes, we are. Thank you, first of all, for your support for this legislation. Want you to know that we take very seriously the one federal decision provisions. Some of those that we have been working on in this regard include establishing schedules that are consistent with the two year average for most eis, Environmental Impact statements. Issuing necessary authorizations, all necessary authorizations, within 90 days of completing nepa. Setting up a performs accountability system to track progress toward our goals and reporting to this committee regularly on the timelines of both the eis and the Environmental Assessments and categorical exclusions. As well as working with other agencies to ensure that those categorical exclusions are as efficiently managed as possible. So, well continue our work on this and, through the permitting dashboard, aim to be as transparent as possible about how we are actually tracking towards those goals. We would appreciate that. It could make a huge difference, thank you. Second question i have. And congressman stalwart touched on it a bit. Concerned about the batteries, concerned about the environmental aspects of the batteries. And im concerned that so much of it is controlled by china, so much is controlled in the congo, it is virtual slave labor. We say as americans that we are humane and humanity we care about life. Yet, we buy so many products from a country that absolutely has no concern about that at all. I dont understand how we do, that i dont understand how we byproducts made by the uyghurs. I dont understand how we we are going to be buying products from the congo, but the chinese controls the congo. And what scares me about that, mister secretary, its the control too much already. They are getting stronger and, im sorry to say, we are getting weaker. I know he may not have been one of your favorite president s but one of my favorite president s, ronald reagan, he says there is no country that has ever been attacked because its too strong. We have to get stronger, we have to produce our own goods and services. We have to produce our own cobalt, if were going to do this. We have to produce our own elements and minerals. And finally, we have to make sure, if we make standards for ourselves, internally, that we keep those standards for everybody else. You know its happening now . You do know this. China is creating tons of fossil fuel, russia is, indias, other countries are. They are not following the paris accords and most of europe. We are doing it in putting ourselves at a deficiency and diminishing ourselves and making ourselves weaker. That is unacceptable. Thats not the america i know, its not the america i believe in. And we have to stop, it mister secretary. Thank, you i yield back. Gentlemans time has expired. That concludes our hearing. I would like to thank secretary buttigieg for your testimony today, your comments have been very informative and helpful. I ask unanimous consent that the record of todays hearing remain open until such time that our witnesses has provided answers that may be submitted to him in writing. But i also ask unanimous consent that the record remain open for 15 days for additional comments and information, submitted by members or the witness, to be included in the record of todays hearing. Without objection, so ordered. The committee stands adjourned. Objection, so ordered. The committee stands adjourned. Next, a look at the weapons of mass destruction and their potential impact on public health. With representatives from the department of homeland security