Transportation Equity Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2167

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Last Updated

2025-06-26T13:12:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Transportation Equity Act (H.R. 2167) aims to create an advisory committee to offer independent guidance to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on broad, cross-cutting issues in transportation equity. This includes input from diverse experts in planning, design, research, policy, and advocacy to promote fair access to transportation opportunities, economic growth, and community revitalization.

Key Provisions

• Establishment and Purpose: The Secretary of Transportation must set up the Transportation Equity Committee within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The committee's goal is to advise on transportation equity, develop a strategic plan with national metrics, and assess impacts on economic development, connectivity, and public involvement.
• Duties: The committee will review the Department of Transportation's (DOT) efforts in linking people to jobs and opportunities through its policies, research, technology, regulations, community outreach, and economic initiatives. Final policy decisions stay with the Secretary.
• Membership:
• Appointed by the Secretary: An odd number of 9 to 15 members, ensuring balanced representation from academia, community groups, industry, non-profits, state/local governments, Tribal governments, advocacy organizations, and indigenous groups.
• Diversity requirements: Members should represent varied backgrounds, geographic areas (urban, rural, tribal, territories), and expertise in areas like housing, health, and environment. Focus on underserved and marginalized communities.
• Terms: 2 years, with up to 2 reappointments; members can be replaced if they miss 3 consecutive meetings.
• Meetings and Operations: At least 2 meetings per year, no more than 9 months apart, in publicly accessible locations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, a law ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities). Rooms must hold at least 100 people.
• Support and Oversight: Funded and supported by DOT's Office of the Under Secretary for Policy. A full-time federal employee serves as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) to handle logistics, agendas, notices, records, and public access to meeting notes. Meetings must be announced in the Federal Register (a government publication for official notices) at least 15 days in advance.
• Governing Rules: Follows the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA, a law regulating advisory groups to ensure openness and accountability), but exempts the section on automatic termination after 2 years.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill re-establishes an advisory committee, implying it revives or replaces a prior similar body that may have lapsed. Key updates include a stronger emphasis on equity and diversity in membership, explicit requirements for public accessibility and ADA compliance, and tailored application of FACA to allow ongoing operation without the standard 2-year sunset clause. It introduces specific metrics for evaluating transportation's role in economic and community outcomes, which were not detailed in prior frameworks.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enhances DOT's decision-making by incorporating diverse stakeholder input, potentially leading to more equitable policies in transportation planning and funding. The DFO role adds administrative burden but ensures structured operations.
• On Citizens: Could improve access to transportation for underserved communities, boosting economic opportunities, connectivity, and public engagement. Benefits may include revitalized neighborhoods and better integration with services like housing and health care.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is domestic; however, equity-focused metrics might indirectly influence U.S. transportation standards in global discussions on sustainable development.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Directly Involved: DOT officials, including the Secretary and Under Secretary for Policy; appointed committee members from academia, industry, non-profits, governments (state, local, Tribal), advocacy groups, and indigenous communities.
• Indirectly Benefiting: Underserved and marginalized populations (e.g., rural, urban low-income, tribal, and territorial residents); businesses and workers reliant on transportation infrastructure; environmental and health advocates.
• Broader Reach: State and local governments implementing transportation projects; the public through increased transparency and accessible meetings.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Adherence to FACA promotes transparency and prevents undue influence, while the ADA exemption ensures inclusivity. The bill's structure avoids conflicts with executive authority by reserving final decisions for the Secretary.
• Constitutional: Aligns with the government's role in promoting general welfare (under the Constitution's preamble) through equitable infrastructure, without infringing on states' rights, as it encourages but does not mandate state involvement.
• Political: Signals a bipartisan push for equity in transportation (introduced by Democrats but potentially appealing across aisles), fostering diverse voices in policy. The ongoing nature (no FACA termination) suggests long-term commitment, but implementation depends on funding and appointments, which could face partisan scrutiny.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
• 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-03-14: Introduced in House
• 2025-03-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Transportation Equity Act — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (6 pages)