Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Priorities
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
May 3rd, 2022 – 10:00 AM EST
Panelists:
The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
On Tuesday, May 3rd, at 10 AM EST, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget and its priorities. Senator Cantwell opened the hearing by noting the increased request for a DOT budget to allow for “historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure to create jobs and prepare our nation’s to remain competitive in the 21st century.” She mentioned hurdles the DOT faces including infrastructure, supply chain, highway congestion, and the need to focus on safety in the air and on the road.
The Honorable Buttigieg statement emphasized that “safety remains our top priority” to “save lives and improve supply chains.” He also noted the need to prioritize pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions, inflation, and infrastructure investment “for communities across America.” The following numbers were mentioned by the Honorable Buttigieg:
- $4 Billion for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) programs
- $17.9 Billion to improve intercity passenger rails
- $680 Million for the modernization of ports
- $3 Billion to improve freight roadways
- $1.5 Billion to improve freight rails
- $36.8 Billion in advance appropriations per the infrastructure law
- $142 Billion of the total budget (request) for the DOT
Discussion between Senator Cantwell and the Honorable Buttigieg addressed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), RAISE program, Mega program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, and the Fish and Wildlife Service as important actors for the DOT and the safety of the nation.
For a recording of the full committee hearing, please visit the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s hearings calendar.