Buttigieg urges Congress to prevent shutdown, emphasizes travel safety concerns.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Urges Congress to Avoid Government Shutdown and Prioritize Transportation Safety
In a compelling testimony before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the critical need to prevent a government shutdown and highlights concerns regarding travel and freight. Buttigieg’s written testimony, obtained by the Washington Examiner, calls on Congress to pass government funding and enact new legislation to address air and rail transportation.
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With the looming threat of a shutdown, Congress finds itself grappling to reach a consensus on a funding measure that extends beyond the September 30 expiration date. The House Republican caucus remains divided on a continuing resolution that includes increased border security, while the Democratic-controlled Senate is unlikely to support the measure.
Buttigieg commends the House for advancing the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, highlighting the Department of Transportation’s achievement of hiring 2,600 air traffic controllers who are currently undergoing training, successfully meeting their goal.
According to the testimony, airline cancellation rates have decreased by 1.6%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the Department of Transportation is actively working on implementing new regulations to protect passengers from cancellations and fees, particularly for parents who wish to sit next to their children.
The transportation secretary urges Congress to demonstrate the same bipartisan leadership exhibited in aviation when it comes to rail safety. Buttigieg’s testimony highlights the need for the advancement of freight rail safety legislation, which was proposed jointly by Democrats and Republicans following the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine. The testimony also mentions the Department of Transportation’s proposals to Congress, including the requirement for at least two crew members on certain trains. Currently, over 6,000 route inspections are underway for trains transporting high-hazard materials.
Buttigieg asserts, “If America is going to reach a point where 1,000 derailments per year are no longer accepted as the cost of doing business, we need new authorities to hold railroads accountable.”
In addition to addressing areas of improvement, Buttigieg proudly highlights over 37,000 infrastructure projects taking place in every state and territory, emphasizing the positive impact on safety, job creation, transportation equity, resilience against extreme weather, reduction of transportation emissions, and strengthening of supply chains to facilitate the movement of goods and lower prices.
As reported by the Washington Examiner, committee Republicans are expected to challenge Buttigieg on the Biden administration’s climate change agenda, preference for electric vehicles, and recent travel challenges.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What are the potential risks to passengers and freight if critical safety enhancements for air transportation are delayed due to lack of funding?
Ng training. However, he warns that without funding, critical safety enhancements will be delayed, putting both passengers and freight at risk.
One of the key issues that Buttigieg addresses is the need to invest in infrastructure improvements for airports and air traffic control systems. He argues that outdated infrastructure hampers efficiency and safety, and that without appropriate investment, the United States will fall behind other countries in terms of air transportation.
Buttigieg also stresses the importance of rail transportation, particularly in light of the recent surge in freight traffic. He points out that rail is a vital mode of transportation for goods, and the current infrastructure is insufficient to handle the increased demand. He calls for increased funding to improve rail infrastructure, including expanding capacity and upgrading outdated systems.
In his testimony, Buttigieg emphasizes the human cost of a government shutdown. He cites the 2019 shutdown as an example, which not only disrupted travel and freight, but also had a negative impact on the economy as a whole. He warns that another shutdown would have similar consequences, causing unnecessary harm to individuals and businesses.
Furthermore, Buttigieg acknowledges the continued challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the need to prioritize safety measures, such as mask mandates and testing protocols, to ensure the safe resumption of travel and transportation activities. He also calls for increased resources to support vaccine distribution efforts within the transportation workforce.
In conclusion, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg urges Congress to prioritize transportation safety and avoid a government shutdown. He highlights the critical need for funding to improve air and rail transportation infrastructure, emphasizing the risks to passengers and freight if improvements are not made. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. It is imperative for Congress to take immediate action to ensure the safety and efficiency of the transportation industry, as well as to prevent disruptions that harm the economy.
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