Budget Hearing – Department of Transportation

The House Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing on May 21, 2026, with Secretary Shawn Duffy of the Department of Transportation (DOT) testifying on the fiscal year 2027 budget. The hearing focused heavily on transportation infrastructure investments, including air traffic control modernization, surface transportation, rail safety, and port infrastructure. Committee members discussed the elimination of a backlog of 3,200 grants, the importance of sustained bipartisan funding for air traffic controller workforce rebuilding, and concerns about bridge and road conditions nationwide. Secretary Duffy highlighted efforts to hire record numbers of air traffic controllers, upgrade FAA facilities, and improve trucking safety by enforcing stricter commercial driver licensing standards. The committee also addressed the need for funding and modernization of the Merchant Marine Academy, the impact of Jones Act waivers on U.S. maritime industry, and the importance of local hiring and public-private partnerships in infrastructure projects. Additionally, members raised concerns about proposed budget cuts to Amtrak and essential air service programs, the integration of drones into national airspace, and preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including transportation and security coordination. Several members emphasized the need for timely grant awards and efficient permitting to maximize infrastructure investment impact. No specific contract awards or RFPs were detailed, but the discussion underscored the committee's readiness to provide discretionary funding aligned with statutory criteria and safety priorities.