WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) today questioned Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Hearing over the Administration’s priorities.

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On the Crisis at the Border

“The crisis at the border is astounding in its scale as thousands of illegal immigrants, enabled by drug cartels and human traffickers, enter the country on a daily basis, many of them unaccompanied minors, untested for COVID-19. Mr. Secretary recently the CEO of Greyhound Bus asked Homeland Security to provide assurance that any detainees released by ICE have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, similar to the proof required for international airline passengers who arrive at US ports of entry. What conversations is DOT having with Homeland Security on the border crisis?  How can law abiding Americans be sure that the border crisis is not the next super spreader event, causing more mass lockdowns and travel restrictions?”

On the Importance of the Aviation Industry

“North Texas and my district specifically are home to DFW Airport and American Airlines, and right next door we have Love Field and Southwest Airlines. The 24th District has more Aviation jobs than any other in Congress. We have passed multiple relief bills out of Congress as a band aide to stop the bleeding. But these stop gap measures will do little to stimulate the recovery of the industry. How will you work with Congress to help rebuild those jobs and make the industry stronger?”

On the Equitable Flow of Grant Dollars

“Texas contributed 212 million more dollars to the trust fund than the state received. North Texas is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, with many people moving from highly taxed and highly regulated states such as California and New York. We consistently hear policy proposals for transportation spending to flow into these states to solve their problem while ignoring the growth of regions such as North Texas. Can you commit to ensure the equitable flow of grant dollars and programs to these highly growth regions?”