Under Secretary for Infrastructure

Under Secretary for Infrastructure is a high-ranking official within the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The position is tasked with overseeing major federal programs related to the nation's surface transportation networks and public assets. The Under Secretary plays a critical role in implementing policies set by the United States Secretary of Transportation and the Biden administration.

History

The position was formally established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, a landmark legislative package championed by the Biden administration and passed by the 117th United States Congress. Its creation was a direct response to the need for a senior official focused exclusively on the historic levels of funding directed toward America's roads, bridges, and transit systems. The role consolidated and elevated responsibilities previously dispersed among various United States Department of Transportation agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The first nominee, Polly Trottenberg, was announced by the White House in 2023, reflecting the administration's priority on implementing the sweeping provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Responsibilities

The Under Secretary for Infrastructure holds primary responsibility for administering programs and distributing funds authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This includes overseeing federal investment in highway projects, public transportation systems, railroad safety improvements, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The office coordinates closely with other United States Department of Transportation modal administrations, including the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Key duties involve guiding state and local entities like the California Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on grant applications and compliance. The Under Secretary also advises the United States Secretary of Transportation on broad policy matters affecting national infrastructure resilience and economic competitiveness.

Appointment and succession

The Under Secretary for Infrastructure is appointed by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the United States Senate through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The process involves a formal nomination sent from the White House to the United States Congress, followed by hearings and a committee vote. In the line of succession within the United States Department of Transportation, the Under Secretary is a senior official, following the Deputy Secretary of Transportation. If the position is vacant, the United States Secretary of Transportation may designate another official, such as an Assistant Secretary of Transportation, to perform the role's duties temporarily.

List of Under Secretaries

As a recently established position, the office has had a limited number of appointees. The first official nominee was Polly Trottenberg, a former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation and Deputy Secretary of Transportation under the Obama administration. Her nomination was pending before the United States Senate as of 2024. No other individuals have been formally nominated or confirmed for the role since its statutory creation by the 117th United States Congress.

Office and staff

The Office of the Under Secretary for Infrastructure is headquartered within the United States Department of Transportation building in Washington, D.C.. The staff typically includes career civil servants, policy advisors, and legal counsel drawn from various departmental agencies like the Federal Highway Administration. The office works in close collaboration with other senior officials, including the Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy and the General Counsel of the United States Department of Transportation. Its organizational structure is designed to manage cross-modal initiatives and liaise with external stakeholders such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the United States Chamber of Commerce.