The goal of today's hearing is to identify areas within the greater aviation spectrum that could be improved to address the growing workforce needs.

I also want to commend you, Chairman Nehls, on setting a date for a rail safety hearing.

Transportation emissions are trending in the wrong direction. For example, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased 1.6 percent from 2022 to 2023.

Now that the NTSB has released its report after the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Congress has to act on the NTSB's recommendations to enhance rail safety.

Thanks to the BIL, communities in my district and in districts across the country are investing in a cleaner and greener future.

Washington's Maritime Blue initiative invests in a thriving, world-class, and sustainable maritime industry for the next 30 years.

According to my own State's Department of Ecology, diesel exhaust is one of the most harmful air pollutants.

ZETA would like to thank the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the opportunity to submit a statement for the record.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for coming today, I appreciate it.

Thanks to the BIL, 57,000 projects are underway in every Congressional district across the country.

I urge this committee to take long overdue action on rail safety so passengers and communities with rail in their backyards have a level of safety oversight and protection afforded to other modes of transportation.

Addressing these priorities will continue to be a high priority for committee Democrats as we look forward to the reauthorization.