Current issues

Amtrak has been plagued by funding and process issues that have severely hampered the railroad’s performance. In order to better connect people to the places they want to go, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and restore passenger rail in the U.S., we must fully fund and reform Amtrak.

In order to enable local decision makers to take the steps necessary to prevent transit worker assault, Congress must update the FTA’s data collection requirements to accurately gauge the issue at each transit agency and identify the best practices of successful agencies.

The air we breathe inside of aircraft cabins is subject to mechanical processes which, when malfunctioning, can cause severe, negative public health effects. Concerningly, our aircraft are not currently equipped to detect when a fume event is occurring nor are there clear reporting requirements.

Over the next century, as the entire transportation sector seeks to reduce our carbon footprint, zero-emission vehicles will take on more prominent role, starting by electrifying the bus fleet. Creating a pro-worker, pro-rider transition to electric buses will require Congress to act carefully and with a jobs-first approach.

More than 900 aircraft maintenance and repair stations have been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) outside of the United States. While all U.S.-registered aircraft are required to be maintained to the same standards, regardless of where maintenance work is performed, work done outside of the U.S. is NOT being held to this statutory requirement.

Workers in the private sector fit largely into one of two classifications under labor and tax law: employees and independent contractors. To avoid the cost of compliance, some employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors. In recent years, the number of misclassified workers in the transportation sector has significantly increased.