U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg defended the proposed FY 2024 budget for USDOT in front of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. The $6.9 trillion budget proposes $114.9 billion in budget authority and obligation limitations for USDOT. Buttigieg emphasized that the proposed budget is necessary for the nation to take advantage of "a moment of unrivaled opportunity and swift progress".

 

At the same time, the Biden administration is asking for $27.8 billion in discretionary budget authority from the General Fund, which is typically the focus of Congressional appropriators as part of the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (THUD) annual funding package. According to AASHTO, the administration aims to eliminate Congressional earmarks and remove some General Fund supplements to the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and Federal Transit Administration formula programs that have been common in recent years.

Buttigieg also mentioned the importance of bipartisan dedication to sustaining investments in America and ensuring they reach every person and community. The budget focuses on funding levels authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, while ramping up funding for discretionary grants programs and Federal Railroad Administration programs. Buttigieg said, "There's a great deal of work underway, and a great deal yet to be done."

https://aashtojournal.org/2023/04/28/buttigieg-defends-usdot-fy-2024-budget-at-hearing/