To address these disparities, the DBE program aims to increase the participation of women and minority-owned businesses in federally funded transportation and infrastructure projects.

It is my hope that this hearing today will help us better understand the importance of this program along with the areas where this program can be improved upon.

Women and minority-owned businesses are fundamental to economic growth in Northwest Washington and the success of U.S. transportation.

I always thought, we will just say that we are going to be the global leader by 2029.

My top priority is the health and well-being of all Washingtonians.

This incident underscores the importance of rapid COVID-19 testing for frontline transportation workers to ensure the economy can operate safely during the pandemic.

Thank you, Chair DeFazio, for calling today's hearing on 'On the Front Lines: The Impacts of COVID-19 on Transportation Workers.'

The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated ridership across all modes of transportation, shaken passenger confidence, delayed critical infrastructure projects and triggered layoffs throughout the industry.

I was not present at votes on Thursday, March 5, as I was travelling back to Washington state to meet with coronavirus response leaders. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 87 (Cisneros Amendment), ``yea'' on…

Every townhall has its own set of issues... But I will say, every townhall I have had, two sets of questions come up.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 80. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Monday, March 2, 2020, as I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been…

I look forward to hearing today's testimony from Mr. McGee on how recent law will help improve the passenger experience.