Presidential Transportation Policies

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway Act of 1956, which authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System, a network of high-speed, limited-access roads connecting major cities and regions across the United States.

The High-Speed Ground Transportation Act of 1965 was enacted to promote the development of high-speed rail transportation in the United States. It authorized funding for research and development of high-speed rail technology and provided financial assistance to states and localities for the construction of high-speed rail lines.

President Barack Obama issued Executive Order 13514 in 2009, which set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from federal government operations by 28% by 2020. The order also directed federal agencies to take steps to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and increase their use of renewable energy.

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) was a transportation bill enacted in 2012 that focused on investing in highway and bridge infrastructure. It provided funding for the repair and construction of roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, as well as for safety and technology improvements.

President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law in 2021. This landmark legislation provided significant funding for a wide range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, public transportation, airports, and broadband internet.

The primary goal of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. The agency does this by setting and enforcing safety standards for motor vehicles, conducting research on traffic safety, and providing funding for state and local traffic safety programs.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating the safety of commercial motor vehicles, including trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for these vehicles, conducts inspections, and provides funding for state and local enforcement programs.

The purpose of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is to regulate the safety of railroads. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for railroads, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents. The FRA also provides funding for state and local railroad safety programs.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is responsible for regulating the safety of pipelines, including those that transport oil, natural gas, and other hazardous materials. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for pipelines, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents.

The primary goal of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is to protect the transportation system from terrorism. The agency does this by screening passengers and baggage at airports, seaports, and other transportation hubs, and by conducting security checks on transportation workers.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for regulating the safety of aviation. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for aircraft, airports, and air traffic control, and conducts inspections and investigations.

The purpose of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is to promote the development of the U.S. merchant marine. The agency provides financial assistance to shipyards, conducts research on maritime technology, and promotes the use of U.S.-flagged ships in international trade.

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for regulating the safety of passenger vessels, including cruise ships, ferries, and other vessels that carry passengers for hire. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for these vessels, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents.

The primary goal of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is to provide financial assistance to public transportation systems. The agency provides grants and loans to state and local governments for the construction, operation, and maintenance of public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and light rail.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating the safety of motor carriers, including trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. The agency sets and enforces safety standards for these vehicles, conducts inspections, and investigates accidents.