Document G646a09ek1bBgEwn01gZJrL0N

Sean Duffy, Secretary Budget Hearing -- U.S. Department of Transportation [Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman] Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies House Committee on Appropriations Deadline for Submission: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 5 PM EST ATC Equipment Outages Question Background: Considering the equipment failure that has impacted Newark Liberty International Airport, it has become clear that we need to ensure the American public that air travel remains the safest form of transportation available. To do this, we need to make sure there are redundancies in our systems so that if an issue occurs, a backup will prevent the worst from happening. Question: Mr. Secretary, we've heard a lot about equipment outages and staffing shortages plaguing our air traffic control system. Can you explain what redundancies and backups the FAA has in place to ensure that air travel remains safe despite these challenges? Can you reassure the American public that flying remains the safest mode of transport? National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program Question Background: On February 6th, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sent a letter to state DOTs freezing the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program -- an unprecedented move for a formula funding program that was passed with bipartisan support. In addition to halting state progress, FHWA stated in the letter that it was rescinding existing guidance and working to develop new guidance. It has now been 103 days since that letter was issued, and no progress has been made. This prolonged freeze has left many states in limbo and has introduced significant uncertainty for awardees that could lead to stranded assets without near term resolution. Over $3.5 billion promised funding is currently being withheld, prompting a group of 16 states, including New Jersey, to sue the federal government in an effort to unfreeze the money. This delay is unacceptable. Question: What is causing the delay? Can you provide a detailed update on the FHWA's progress in developing new guidance, including whether or not this will be final guidance, and can you commit to publishing final guidance by the end of the month? OST-2025-1200 Page 02215 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0028096  Can you provide details on whether you intend to review the minimum standards? Furthermore, can you commit to allowing states to obligate funding while they await the release of new, finalized guidance? OST-2025-1200 Page 02216 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0028097