§ 101. — Purpose.
[Laws in effect as of January 7, 2003]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 7, 2003 and December 19, 2003]
[CITE: 49USC101]
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
SUBTITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER 1--ORGANIZATION
Sec. 101. Purpose
(a) The national objectives of general welfare, economic growth and
stability, and security of the United States require the development of
transportation policies and programs that contribute to providing fast,
safe, efficient, and convenient transportation at the lowest cost
consistent with those and other national objectives, including the
efficient use and conservation of the resources of the United States.
(b) A Department of Transportation is necessary in the public
interest and to--
(1) ensure the coordinated and effective administration of the
transportation programs of the United States Government;
(2) make easier the development and improvement of coordinated
transportation service to be provided by private enterprise to the
greatest extent feasible;
(3) encourage cooperation of Federal, State, and local
governments, carriers, labor, and other interested persons to
achieve transportation objectives;
(4) stimulate technological advances in transportation, through
research and development or otherwise;
(5) provide general leadership in identifying and solving
transportation problems; and
(6) develop and recommend to the President and Congress
transportation policies and programs to achieve transportation
objectives considering the needs of the public, users, carriers,
industry, labor, and national defense.
(Pub. L. 97-449, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2414; Pub. L. 102-240, title
VI, Sec. 6018, Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2183.)
Historical and Revision Notes
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Revised Section Source (U.S. Code) Source (Statutes at Large)
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101(a)................................ 49:1651(a). Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89-670, Sec.
2(a), (b)(1), 80 Stat. 931.
101(b)................................ 49:1651(b)(1). .......................................
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In subsections (a) and (b), the introductory declaratory words are
omitted as surplus.
In subsection (a), the words ``national objectives of'' are inserted
for clarity. The words ``United States'' are substituted for ``Nation''
and ``Nation's'', respectively, for consistency. The word ``contribute''
is substituted for ``conducive'' because the substituted word is more
commonly used. The word ``those'' is substituted for ``utilization''.
In subsection (b)(2), the word ``greatest'' is substituted for
``maximum'' for consistency.
In subsection (b)(3) and (6), the word ``national'' is omitted
before ``transportation'' as unnecessary and for consistency.
In subsection (b)(3), the word ``persons'' is substituted for
``parties'' as being more precise.
In subsection (b)(6), the words ``transportation objectives'' are
substituted for ``these objectives'' for clarity and consistency. The
words ``full and appropriate'' and ``for approval'' are omitted as
surplus.
Amendments
1991--Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102-240 inserted ``, through research
and development or otherwise'' after ``advances in transportation''.
Short Title of 1999 Amendment
Pub. L. 106-159, Sec. 1(a), Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1748, provided
that: ``This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the
`Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999'.''
Short Title of 1995 Amendment
Pub. L. 104-88, Sec. 1(a), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 803, provided
that: ``This Act [see Tables for classification] may be cited as the
`ICC Termination Act of 1995'.''
Short Title of 1994 Amendment
Pub. L. 103-411, Sec. 1, Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4236, provided
that: ``This Act [amending sections 1118, 1131, and 40102 of this title
and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1131 and 40109
of this title] may be cited as the `Independent Safety Board Act
Amendments of 1994'.''
Short Title of 1991 Amendment
Section 1 of Pub. L. 102-240 provided that: ``This Act [see Tables
for classification] may be cited as the `Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991'.''
Congressional Declaration of Policy Regarding National Intermodal
Transportation System
Section 2 of Pub. L. 102-240, which provided that it was the policy
of the United States to develop a National Intermodal Transportation
System consisting of all forms of transportation in a unified,
interconnected manner, a National Highway System, improvements in public
transportation achieving goals for improved air quality, energy
conservation, international competitiveness, and mobility for elderly
persons, persons with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged
persons, was repealed and reenacted as section 5501 of this title by
Pub. L. 103-272, Secs. 1(d), 7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 848, 1379.
``Secretary'' Defined
Pub. L. 106-159, Sec. 2, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1749, provided
that: ``In this Act [see Tables for classification], the term
`Secretary' means the Secretary of Transportation.''
Section 3 of Pub. L. 102-240 provided that: ``As used in this Act
[see Short Title of 1991 Amendment note set out above], the term
`Secretary' means the Secretary of Transportation.''
Ex. Ord. No. 13330. Human Service Transportation Coordination
Ex. Ord. No. 13330, Feb. 24, 2004, 69 F.R. 9185, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States of America, and to enhance access to
transportation to improve mobility, employment opportunities, and access
to community services for persons who are transportation-disadvantaged,
it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. This order is issued consistent with the following
findings and principles:
(a) A strong America depends on citizens who are productive and who
actively participate in the life of their communities.
(b) Transportation plays a critical role in providing access to
employment, medical and health care, education, and other community
services and amenities. The importance of this role is underscored by
the variety of transportation programs that have been created in
conjunction with health and human service programs, and by the
significant Federal investment in accessible public transportation
systems throughout the Nation.
(c) These transportation resources, however, are often difficult for
citizens to understand and access, and are more costly than necessary
due to inconsistent and unnecessary Federal and State program rules and
restrictions.
(d) A broad range of Federal program funding allows for the purchase
or provision of transportation services and resources for persons who
are transportation-disadvantaged. Yet, in too many communities, these
services and resources are fragmented, unused, or altogether
unavailable.
(e) Federally assisted community transportation services should be
seamless, comprehensive, and accessible to those who rely on them for
their lives and livelihoods. For persons with mobility limitations
related to advanced age, persons with disabilities, and persons
struggling for self-sufficiency, transportation within and between our
communities should be as available and affordable as possible.
(f) The development, implementation, and maintenance of responsive,
comprehensive, coordinated community transportation systems is essential
for persons with disabilities, persons with low incomes, and older
adults who rely on such transportation to fully participate in their
communities.
Sec. 2. Definitions. (a) As used in this order, the term ``agency''
means an executive department or agency of the Federal Government.
(b) For the purposes of this order, persons who are transportation-
disadvantaged are persons who qualify for Federally conducted or
Federally assisted transportation-related programs or services due to
disability, income, or advanced age.
Sec. 3. Establishment of the Interagency Transportation Coordinating
Council on Access and Mobility. (a) There is hereby established, within
the Department of Transportation for administrative purposes, the
``Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council on Access and
Mobility'' (``Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council'' or
``Council''). The membership of the Interagency Transportation
Coordinating Council shall consist of:
(i) the Secretaries of Transportation, Health and Human
Services, Education, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Housing
and Urban Development, and the Interior, the Attorney General, and
the Commissioner of Social Security; and
(ii) such other Federal officials as the Chairperson of the
Council may designate.
(b) The Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary's designee,
shall serve as the Chairperson of the Council. The Chairperson shall
convene and preside at meetings of the Council, determine its agenda,
direct its work, and, as appropriate to particular subject matters,
establish and direct subgroups of the Council, which shall consist
exclusively of the Council's members.
(c) A member of the Council may designate any person who is part of
the member's agency and who is an officer appointed by the President or
a full-time employee serving in a position with pay equal to or greater
than the minimum rate payable for GS-15 of the General Schedule to
perform functions of the Council or its subgroups on the member's
behalf.
Sec. 4. Functions of the Interagency Transportation Coordinating
Council. The Interagency Transportation Coordinating Council shall:
(a) promote interagency cooperation and the establishment of
appropriate mechanisms to minimize duplication and overlap of Federal
programs and services so that transportation-disadvantaged persons have
access to more transportation services;
(b) facilitate access to the most appropriate, cost-effective
transportation services within existing resources;
(c) encourage enhanced customer access to the variety of
transportation and resources available;
(d) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and procedural
mechanisms that enhance transportation services at all levels; and
(e) develop and implement a method for monitoring progress on
achieving the goals of this order.
Sec. 5. Report. In performing its functions, the Interagency
Transportation Coordinating Council shall present to me a report not
later than 1 calendar year from the date of this order. The report
shall:
(a) Identify those Federal, State, Tribal and local laws,
regulations, procedures, and actions that have proven to be most useful
and appropriate in coordinating transportation services for the targeted
populations;
(b) Identify substantive and procedural requirements of
transportation-related Federal laws and regulations that are duplicative
or restrict the laws' and regulations' most efficient operation;
(c) Describe the results achieved, on an agency and program basis,
in: (i) simplifying access to transportation services for persons with
disabilities, persons with low income, and older adults; (ii) providing
the most appropriate, cost-effective transportation services within
existing resources; and (iii) reducing duplication to make funds
available for more services to more such persons;
(d) Provide recommendations to simplify and coordinate applicable
substantive, procedural, and administrative requirements; and
(e) Provide any other recommendations that would, in the judgment of
the Council, advance the principles set forth in section 1 of this
order.
Sec. 6. General. (a) Agencies shall assist the Interagency
Transportation Coordinating Council and provide information to the
Council consistent with applicable law as may be necessary to carry out
its functions. To the extent permitted by law, and as permitted by
available agency resources, the Department of Transportation shall
provide funding and administrative support for the Council.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise
affect the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget relating to budget, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order is intended only to improve the internal management
of the executive branch and is not intended to, and does not, create any
right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in
equity by a party against the United States, its departments, agencies,
instrumentalities or entities, its officers or employees, or any other
person.
George W. Bush.
