This bill establishes a Transportation Equity Advisory Committee to advise the Department of Transportation on ensuring equitable access to transportation and economic opportunities for all communities.
Frederica Wilson
Representative
FL-24
The Transportation Equity Act establishes a Transportation Equity Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Transportation on transportation equity issues. This committee will provide recommendations on national transportation metrics, economic development, community connectivity, and public engagement. The committee will consist of members from diverse backgrounds and expertise, meeting regularly to evaluate and improve the Department's efforts in connecting people to economic opportunities. A Designated Federal Officer will manage the committee's operations and ensure transparency through public meetings and record-keeping.
Transportation Equity Act Proposes New Advisory Committee for DOT
A new bill, the Transportation Equity Act, directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a dedicated Transportation Equity Advisory Committee within 120 days. The main job of this committee, as laid out in Section 2, is to provide independent advice and recommendations on making transportation policies fairer and more effective. This includes developing a strategic plan with specific metrics to track how transportation projects impact economic opportunities, community connections, and public involvement.
Who's at the Table?
The bill specifies this committee will have between 9 and 15 members, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation for two-year terms (with a max of two reappointments). The goal is a balanced group representing diverse viewpoints – think academics, community organizers, industry folks, government officials, and advocacy groups. Importantly, Section 2 mandates representation from different backgrounds, geographic areas (urban, rural, and tribal), and expertise fields like housing and healthcare. While the committee advises, the final decisions on transportation policy still rest with the Secretary.
Keeping Tabs and Talking Shop
Transparency seems to be a key consideration here. The committee is required to meet at least twice a year, and these meetings must be held in publicly accessible locations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), large enough for at least 100 attendees. A full-time Designated Federal Officer (Section 3) will manage logistics, set agendas with the Chair, keep records, and ensure meeting details are published in the Federal Register 15 days in advance. This structure, operating under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), aims to keep the committee's work open to public view.
What Does This Mean on the Ground?
Essentially, this bill creates a formal channel for diverse voices to weigh in on how federal transportation dollars and policies affect people's ability to get to work, access services, and thrive in their communities. The committee's advice could lead to transportation planning that better considers the needs of underserved areas or evaluates projects based on their impact on local economies and connectivity. However, the committee's influence ultimately depends on how seriously the Secretary takes its recommendations. While the structure is defined, the real-world impact hinges on implementation and whether the advice translates into tangible policy shifts. Setting up and running this committee will also involve taxpayer costs for staffing and operations.