New Congress means new opportunities to advance transportation priorities

Last week, a new year kicked off here in Washington, DC, with the swearing in of the 113th Congress. Now, new Representatives and Senators will join their returning colleagues from around the nation to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing America today--including transportation. As Secretary of Transportation, and as a former U.S. Representative from Illinois, I congratulate all of them and wish them great success as they take up their important work.

In addition to congratulating the 113th, I also want them to know that I look forward to working with them to address our national transportation priorities.

The Freshman Class of the 113th on the steps of the U.S. Capitol; photo courtesy National Journal

Last year, the 112th Congress passed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).  This new surface transportation law streamlines and consolidates many programs, adds important new ones, and --most importantly--gives DOT the legislative authority to operate for the next two years.

MAP-21 allows DOT to continue increasing safety on our nation's roads and transit systems. It allows us to continue improving the way we move the freight that fuels our economy. And it allows us to continue investing in the infrastructure our country needs to succeed--all while putting thousands of Americans to work.

Members of the 113th House take the oath; photo courtesy Washington Post

Since 2009, DOT has continued its commitment to making the U.S. transportation system the safest and most efficient in the world. We've doubled down on our safety mission, raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, introducing a new 5-Star Rating System for consumers searching for a vehicle, combating pilot fatigue, increasing motorcoach inspections, and taking on a new oversight role for rail transit systems.

We've made historic investments in roads, bridges, rail, transit, ports, and aviation through the Recovery Act and our popular TIGER program. Livable and sustainable communities have gotten a boost--putting all travelers on equal footing, whether they get behind the wheel of a car or lace up a pair of walking shoes. Because of President Obama's vision, thirty-four states and the District of Columbia are laying the foundation for high-speed rail corridors that will link Americans with faster and more energy-efficient travel options.

This Administration can be proud of many significant surface transportation achievements. And through many of our efforts, we have worked with Congress to accomplish our shared transportation goals. But even though we've made great progress during President Obama's first four years, there is still much to do.

And we will continue to need partners in Congress to help us do it. I welcome the opportunity to work with the 113th Congress to make it happen.