A key part of realizing equity in transportation systems is ensuring smaller communities can succeed in accessing funding.

opening statement

You mentioned a challenge, or maybe you didn't see it as a challenge, but the service you provide for folks who are disabled or homebound.

We thank Representative Larsen for that.

Rural communities play a crucial role in our economy.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping rural communities respond to these challenges.

Transit allows them to save money. And these are the people that work, for instance, at Walmart.

Today's hearing focuses on rural transportation and the unique experience, needs, and challenges of rural communities that our infrastructure investments must address.

These realities highlight the quality of life, economic development, safety, and mobility benefits we can achieve through investments in rural areas.

The Committee is aware of concerns raised about inequities in the delivery of disaster assistance to disaster survivors.

I believe our findings--the key message was that FEMA was interpreting the Stafford Act requirements differently for COVID-19 deaths than it had for deaths from other disasters.