[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3649 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 3649
To establish an advisory committee to provide independent advice and
recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation regarding
comprehensive, interdisciplinary issues relating to transportation from
a variety of stakeholders in transportation planning, design, research,
policy, and advocacy, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 15, 2022
Mr. Padilla (for himself, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Booker, Mr.
Carper, Mr. Casey, Ms. Duckworth, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Heinrich, Mr.
Markey, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Peters, Mr. Reed, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Smith, Mr.
Van Hollen, and Mr. Wyden) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish an advisory committee to provide independent advice and
recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation regarding
comprehensive, interdisciplinary issues relating to transportation from
a variety of stakeholders in transportation planning, design, research,
policy, and advocacy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transportation Equity Act''.
SEC. 2. TRANSPORTATION EQUITY COMMITTEE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Committee.--The term ``Committee'' means the
Transportation Equity Committee established under subsection
(b).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an advisory
committee, to be known as the Transportation Equity Committee, to study
and provide advice on comprehensive and interdisciplinary issues
relating to transportation equity from a variety of stakeholders in
transportation planning, design, research, policy, and advocacy.
(c) Purpose of Committee.--The Committee shall provide independent
advice and recommendations to the Secretary on transportation equity,
including by developing a strategic plan that includes recommendations
to the Secretary on national transportation metrics and the effect of
transportation equity on such factors as economic development,
connectivity, accessibility, and public engagement.
(d) Duties.--The Committee shall evaluate the work of the
Department of Transportation in--
(1) connecting people to economic and related forms of
opportunity;
(2) revitalizing communities in carrying out strategic,
research, technological, regulatory, community engagement, and
economic policy activities relating to transportation and
opportunity; and
(3) ensuring equal access to transportation for all
residents, including those with disabilities and older adults.
(e) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall appoint an odd number
of not less than 9 but not more than 15 members to the
Committee, which shall include balanced representation with
varying points of view from academia, community groups,
industry and business, nongovernmental organizations, State and
local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, advocacy
organizations, and indigenous groups.
(2) Broad representation.--To the extent practicable,
members of the Committee shall reflect--
(A) a variety of backgrounds and experiences;
(B) geographic diversity, including urban, rural,
Tribal, territorial, and underserved and marginalized
communities throughout the United States; and
(C) individuals with expertise in related areas
such as housing, health care, disability access, and
the environment.
(3) Replacement for inactive members.--If a member misses 3
consecutive meetings, the Secretary may--
(A) remove the member; and
(B) appoint a replacement to serve for the
remainder of the term as provided under subsection (i).
(f) Designated Federal Officer.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall appoint a full-time
Federal employee as the Designated Federal Officer for the
Committee, who shall--
(A) serve as the coordinator of the Committee; and
(B) ensure that administrative support is provided
for the Committee, including by carrying out the
responsibilities described in paragraph (2).
(2) Responsibilities.--The Designated Federal Officer
shall--
(A) call meetings of the Committee, and any
subcommittees that the Committee designates, after
consultation with the Chair;
(B) formulate and approve an agenda, in
consultation with the Chair, for each meeting;
(C) notify all Committee members of the time,
place, and agenda for any meeting;
(D) provide administrative support for all meetings
of the Committee;
(E) attend each Committee and subcommittee meeting;
(F) maintain all Committee files and records,
including minutes from each meeting;
(G) adjourn any meeting when it is determined to be
in the public interest;
(H) serve as the chair at a meeting, if directed to
do so by the Secretary;
(I) make available to the public meeting notes and
information; and
(J) publish in the Federal Register notice of any
meeting of the Committee not less than 15 days before
the meeting.
(g) Meetings.--
(1) In general.--The Committee shall meet not less than 2
times each year, with not more than 9 months between meetings.
(2) Time and place.--Meetings of the Committee shall be--
(A) at a reasonable time;
(B) in a place accessible to the public;
(C) in a room--
(i) large enough to accommodate at least
100 people, including the Committee members,
staff, and a reasonable number of interested
members of the public; and
(ii) that is in compliance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); and
(D) in compliance with section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).
(h) Quorum.--A quorum shall be a majority of the members of the
Committee, rounded up to the nearest odd number.
(i) Term.--
(1) In general.--Each member of the Committee shall serve a
2-year term with not more than 2 consecutive term
reappointments.
(2) Delayed replacements.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a
member may continue service until a replacement member is
appointed.
(j) Support.--The Office of the Under Secretary for Policy of the
Department of Transportation shall provide necessary funding,
logistics, and administrative support for the Committee.
(k) Application of FACA.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Committee.
<all>