AASHTO Journal, 24 May 2013
President Obama’s U.S. Transportation Secretary nominee and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx visited Capitol Hill Wednesday for his nomination hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation.
After opening remarks, Foxx briefly highlighted his credentials for the position and laid out his priorities: keeping the focus on safety across all transportation modes, improving the efficiency and performance of the nation’s current transportation infrastructure, and preparing for future transportation needs for the next generation. Much of Foxx’s testimony focused on that final priority.
“The private sector cannot do this alone, and the federal government has a responsibility to help ensure our global competitiveness by investing in a robust, multimodal transportation system; a stronger national freight network; and key innovations like NextGen and advanced roadway and rail technology,” Foxx said. “As a mayor who has delivered projects to my constituents, I know too well that future uncertainty at the federal level makes it difficult to do smart, cost-effective long-term planning and project development.”
While the hearing covered a range of transportation issues and questions from members, conversation was short on some of the more difficult questions regarding funding for transportation. Members did not ask specifics on what funding options Foxx supported or opposed, such as raising the gas tax or the implementation of a vehicle-miles-traveled user fee, though he did say he saw tolling as a tool (not a “complete solution”) when adding capacity to infrastructure.
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), chair of the committee, also discussed the Federal role in transportation.
“The federal government has a critical role to play in transportation. I am among the first to admit that we in Congress have not done our jobs in this area,” Rockefeller said. “Turning our backs on this growing problem ignores what we truly need: a strategic, long-term vision for rebuilding our transportation system… We need to take a hard look at what we need from our ports, rail, air, and highway systems over the long term and commit to making the appropriate investments.”
Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) said overseeing USDOT is a large task.
“I know most of the individuals here today understand what an important position this is for our country, but every American is directly affected by our nation’s transportation systems—including through personal and business travel; employment; the interstate movement of the products we grow, manufacture, and purchase; and their impact on the overall health of the economy.”
Additional information on the nomination hearing, including Foxx’s written testimony and video of the hearing, is available here.
