Video & Transcript Research : 'repurposing facilities'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Finance Committee 4/28/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Article six is the facilities article. There's a couple of provisions in this article.
  • Article six is the facilities article. There's a couple of provisions in this article.
  • Down to facilities, the long-term facilities maintenance roof repair and replacement provision has a
  • Down to facilities, the long-term facilities maintenance roof repair and replacement provision has a
  • Down to facilities, the long-term facilities maintenance roof repair and replacement provision has a
Bills: HF1388
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Jul 16th, 2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • an $8 million investment to bring those children home and ensure transfer into a safer in-state facility
  • The unfortunate reality is that many of these facilities have histories of abuse and neglect, negligence
  • although the on-site business is required by the LEA, that places this child in the out-of-state facility
  • Many of these students are sent to high-risk facilities where practices like seclusion, restraint, and
  • We have 41 resource centers or I call it instructional facilities totaling 100,000 square feet with a
Keywords: 988, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AEN-TCA-EIG, TCA-AEN, AEN, AEN DEFER Public Hearings 02-05-2025

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • terms of the positions, of course we would ask for more positions to execute this measure, or maybe repurpose
  • terms of the positions, of course we would ask for more positions to execute this measure, or maybe repurpose
  • this measure more positions to execute this measure or<00:54:47.240> maybe<00:54:47.880> repurpose
  • <00:54:48.480> the<00:54:48.720> existing or maybe repurpose the existing or maybe
  • repurpose the existing positions<00:54:49.720> that<00:54:49.880> you<00:54:50.040>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 8th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fort Worth, Laredo, or Dallas, we should identify them and renovate them. to identify renovated facilities
  • This study would give us a better picture of what our surplus property is and the feasibility of repurposing
  • And so the lending facility would do that? Correct. Thank you. Thank you. Hang on one second.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Working Group on Omnibus Human Services Appropriations - 05/22/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • nursing facility payment system changes. nursing facility payment system changes.
  • this would adjust the nursing facility this would adjust the nursing facility uh<00:07:29.199>
  • facility.
  • So, this repurposes assisted living facility special project funding for an assisted living facility
  • So, this repurposes assisted living facility special project funding for an assisted living facility
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they can't go to our community facilities, our minimum security facilities, which we'll talk a little
  • And then in the community facility, we have eight community facilities across the state of Washington
  • of Corrections facility campus.
  • It's not facility-based.
  • An intensive behavioral health treatment facility really is a mental health treatment facility.
Summary: The committee held a work session focused first on juvenile rehabilitation system capacity. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth, and has longer lengths of stay, especially for “post-25” youth who must remain in secure facilities and cannot go to community beds. They described overcrowding at Green Hill School, placement limits at Echo Glen and Harbor Heights, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for more medium-security and specialized mental health beds. DCYF said it is pursuing a Parkland facility proposal, a staffing model decision package, and a broader feasibility study and master plan update. No votes were taken; members were asked to follow up with questions later. The committee then heard on behavioral health system capacity from the Behavioral Health Administration and the Health Care Authority. DSHS described growth in forensic and civil bed need, expansion at Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, and Brockman, and construction of a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State expected to open in 2028. HCA reported progress on long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams, saying the community-based system is being expanded to support step-down care and reduce hospital reliance. Members asked about whether capacity is right-sized, the difference between facility types, and federal match eligibility for services. A federal funding update followed, covering the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371 on SNAP, Medicaid, marketplace coverage, long-term services and supports, K-12, higher education, and hemp regulation. OFM and agency staff said H.R. 1 adds work requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, increases state administrative and benefit costs, reduces Medicaid and marketplace subsidies for some groups, tightens redeterminations, and may significantly affect provider payments and state-directed payments. H.R. 5371 extended federal funding through January 30, 2026 and included some agency appropriations and other provisions, including changes affecting hemp producers. Members asked about SNAP error rates and special enrollment periods. Finally, budget coordinator Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview. She reviewed the state’s near general fund outlook, noting revenue declines since the enacted budget, the effect of reversions, and a preliminary maintenance-level outlook showing a projected increase in NGFO spending over the four-year period. She said the supplemental will reflect updated caseload and cost forecasts and mandatory impacts from H.R. 1, but not policy proposals. No actions or votes were taken during the session.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues Jun 18th, 2025

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • Disability Rights Washington's Treatment Facilities Team focuses on serving people in treatment facilities
  • , including inpatient psychiatric treatment facilities.
  • existing facilities and repurposing them for inpatient treatment. ...for inpatient treatment, and in
  • It does serve people that are exiting those facilities.
  • need it. 59% of skilled nursing facility...
Summary: The committee met for what was described as its final meeting, with members and staff reflecting on the work of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and noting that future work would likely shift to standing health and wellness committees. The meeting began with introductions and then moved into updates on major initiatives that originated from the committee, including Washington Cares, the Dementia Action Collaborative, and Medicaid long-term care programs. Presenters emphasized that these efforts were developed through long-term legislative-executive collaboration and were intended to help Washington prepare for the state’s aging population. On Washington Cares, DSHS described the program’s development from a 2014 research effort to its 2019 enactment, premium collection beginning in 2023, portability improvements in 2024, and 2025 changes including a grandfathered opt-out fix and a framework for supplemental private long-term care insurance. The agency said benefits are expected to go fully live next summer, with a pilot of up to 400 applicants planned for next January. On dementia policy, the Dementia Action Collaborative reported on the state dementia plan, Project ECHO training for providers, and pilot dementia-capable community programs at area agencies on aging, citing preliminary results that about 85% of family caregivers said services helped people remain at home. DSHS also reviewed Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance, nutrition support, and home modifications. The committee then heard an emerging issues panel from ombuds and disability advocates. Patricia Hunter of the long-term care ombuds program raised concerns about staffing shortages, resident rights, surveillance technology, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal discharges or evictions. Betty Sweeterman of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds discussed people stuck in hospitals without medical need, gaps in behavioral health services for people with developmental disabilities, and the need for better workforce training. Todd Carlyle of Disability Rights Washington urged expansion and bundling of community supports such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers to reduce repeated institutionalization and support discharge from inpatient psychiatric settings. Provider and labor panels followed, with nursing home, assisted living, supported living, and union representatives all emphasizing workforce shortages, low wages, Medicaid rate inadequacy, case management bottlenecks, behavioral health complexity, and the need for more flexible care models and stronger accountability for rate increases. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with public comment on manufactured housing and closing remarks thanking staff and participants for the committee’s work.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • They might have to repurpose funds from one program type to another.
  • He said even if he could have a gazebo, it wouldn't have to be a solid facility to be able to expand.
  • You mentioned facilities. Our office does not manage any facilities, so I would have to defer to...
  • First, just for clarity, I said facilities.
  • Just for clarity, I said facilities.
Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education. The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement. Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • And the last three are more operational or facilities based.
  • double the size of that facility.
  • There's 7,000 drinking water facilities in Texas.
  • The disease risk in that facility and where it could potentially spread to other facilities and. protect
  • Yeah, in the captive facility, in a permitted facility.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/19/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • in our state, but they might be flagged federally, and that can create confusion for health care facilities
  • You said this has nothing to do with patient care or even you working as a nurse in any facility at all
  • Specifically, the bill repurposes the CSPMP task force into a compliance work group to identify potential
  • pharmacies can deliver prescription medications to a patient's residence, hospital, long-term care facility
Summary: The committee first took up several continuation bills to extend state boards and agencies, including HB 2728 for the Department of Economic Security, HB 2729 for the State Board of Nursing, HB 2730 for the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, HB 2731 for the Physician Assistants Board, and HB 2732 for the Board of Pharmacy. Each was moved for a due pass recommendation, with HB 2731 amended to continue the physician assistant board for four years instead of two. All of these continuation bills passed the committee with strong support. The committee then heard HB 2408, a nursing board reform bill dealing with complaint investigation procedures, timelines, confidentiality, complaint prioritization, access to investigative files, expungement of certain disciplinary actions, and a revised definition of unprofessional conduct. The sponsor and supporters argued it would improve fairness, allow limited expungement for older non-patient-safety issues, and address long investigation delays. The nursing board president and other opponents warned it would raise the evidentiary standard, weaken patient safety protections, and erase useful disciplinary history. After extensive testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill 7-4-1. Next, the committee considered pharmacy-related reforms. HB 2434 updated the controlled substances prescription monitoring program, including registration, reporting, confidentiality, and a compliance work group; it passed unanimously after amendment. HB 2733 allowed pharmacists and technicians to complete continuing education after renewal submission if finished before expiration, clarified prescription delivery locations, and addressed temporary operation during ownership changes; it also passed unanimously after amendment. Finally, HB 2725, which would have restricted access contractors from substituting non-opioid drugs and limiting non-opioid utilization controls, drew concerns that it was too broad and could affect many drug classes and costs. After amendment and debate, the committee failed to give HB 2725 a due pass recommendation by a 6-6 vote, and the meeting adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • I just wanted to let you know that I was so impressed with this facility. It's beautiful.
  • Are there any facilities out here for veterans? Mr.
  • But anything we can do to support you, I know there's some land and some buildings that could be repurposed
  • Healthcare staff are embedded within the IHS facilities, which brings VA primary care within reach of
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Sep 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • has stepped up to the tune of $850 million that will rehabilitate. ...build out an old screw worm facility
  • The new control facility at Moore Air Base in Texas will partner with Texas A&M Live to support research
  • These pills have one purpose, and this is not a repurpose.
  • The health care facility—same answer. Yes, sir. That was the thinking behind it.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Nov 3rd, 2025

New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • could then be repurposed for our needs.
  • Of this nice new facility, and we want you to see that.
  • cannot have more than 30% control of any entity within that facility. within that facility.
  • So, it's a facility within a facility where certain communications are held.
  • Facilities.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

WAM-LBT, WAM-TCA, WAM-HHS Informational Briefings 01-16-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • extended Boom for maintenance facilities extended Boom for maintenance facilities to<02:14:50.599
  • the car rental facility.
  • This is the move, not just the move back to the new state facility. Yeah, okay.
  • The $30 million is the next one, which is the nursing facility sustainability funds, correct?
  • <03:57:30.319> and funds in both the nursing facility and funds in both the nursing facility
Keywords: 912, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Training facility rehabilitation for staff training. Okay, it was facility. Okay.
  • Do you still need the same facility?
  • I noticed that the training facility that was rehabilitated was the marina training facility.
  • , to have a training facility.
  • Well, one thing, it's got to be repurposed.
Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee first heard a long-running audit finding involving Daytona Beach’s unexpended building permit funds, which have exceeded the statutory limit for several years and were reported at $10.8 million in the most recent audit. Mayor Derek Henry and city staff said the city has analyzed the fund, adopted a corrective action plan, waived more than $5.5 million in permit and inspection fees over several periods, and used some excess funds for a training facility rehabilitation and a proposed City Hall expansion. Committee members repeatedly questioned whether the city was simply trying to spend down the money, raised concerns about the legality and necessity of proposed expenditures, and asked about interest earnings, truck purchases, and the lack of detailed tracking for training-facility use. The city said an Attorney General opinion allows construction of a new building for building-code functions but not purchase of an existing building, and that if the city cannot comply through permissible construction it would have to return the funds. No vote was taken, but members expressed strong frustration and urged the city to resolve the issue quickly and lawfully. The committee then received the Auditor General’s presentation on the Town of Greenville, which found 31 findings and described pervasive control failures, possible fraud, waste, and abuse. The findings covered elections and quorum issues, conflicts of interest, late or missing financial disclosure forms, related-party transactions, poor meeting notices and minutes, council involvement in day-to-day operations, missing ethics training, budget and accounting deficiencies, weak bank reconciliations, improper utility billing and rates, grant compliance problems tied to a grocery store project, personnel and compensation issues involving the town manager, late vendor payments, weak procurement and P-card controls, vehicle-use and property-control problems, public records issues, and IT/fraud-policy weaknesses. The auditor said the review focused mainly on October 2022 through February 2024 but went back further for some grant-related matters. Greenville’s mayor and staff said the audit reflected actions of a previous administration and that the current council and staff have already adopted seven new policies to improve procurement, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight, and ethics. They said the town has a new manager and clerk, that the former manager was terminated, and that the town referred matters to FDLE, which is investigating. Committee members asked about the manager’s salary increase, severance, P-card use, and whether the town should consider consolidation or dissolution. The mayor said the town is on a better path, that most of the prior leadership has been voted out, and that the town is working with auditors and an outside accounting firm to correct the problems.
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session - Session 2 - 37th Legislative Day Jun 17th, 2026

Delaware Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Minor-Brown, Senator Huxtable, and others, a concurrent resolution requesting strategic plans for the repurposing
  • of underutilized public school facilities and state-owned buildings to meet community and workforce
Summary: The Senate received communications from the House listing numerous bills, substitutes, amendments, and concurrent resolutions passed by the House or returned to the Senate, and it also noted a Senate amendment being stricken from House Bill 190. Committee reports were read on a wide range of nominations and bills, including favorable reports on several executive nominations and legislation involving nurse preceptors, voting, agricultural/forestry grants, child care, Title IX coordination, vehicle security devices, dry needling, human remains disposition, child care assistance, autism-related oversight, nursing advancement, correctional oversight, massage and bodywork, probate letters, computer security breaches, automobile insurance, medical debt protection, and technical corrections. The Senate also assigned House Bill 300, House Bill 64, and House Bill 385 to the Finance Committee. The chamber confirmed several gubernatorial nominations by roll call vote, each receiving the required majority: Heidi J. A. Gilmore to the Marijuana Appeals Commission; Lee Wynne and Ruth J. Tucker to the Delaware River and Bay Authority Board; Jennifer R. Hallman and Lindsay E. Alexich to the Professional Standards Board; Jason M. Munion and F. Todd Kulata to the Environmental Appeals Board. The Senate also passed House Substitute 1 for House Bill 383, which changes overtime eligibility for certain DelDOT employees and clarifies covered positions, and Senate Bill 315 with Senate Amendment 1, which revises the Delaware Technical Innovation Program to give the Division of Small Business more flexibility in using federal grant funds. Consent Agenda M passed unanimously, including Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319 on menopause and perimenopause coverage, House Bill 411 on alcohol/tobacco/marijuana enforcement, House Bill 271 on marijuana establishment spacing, House Bill 258 on alcohol licenses, House Bill 303 on juvenile probation/parole officers and DCYF employees, and House Bill 377 on Ocean View municipal election deadlines. Consent Calendar 63 also passed unanimously, including resolutions recognizing Day of Service, National Adoption Month, National Coaches Day, Free Speech Week, Women’s Equality Day, and Spirit of America 250, along with resolutions encouraging a veteran cemetery in Kent County, seeking plans for repurposing underused public buildings, and honoring Delaware Boys State. The Senate spent significant time on floor remarks about the Boys State delegates and on a tribute to emergency responders who helped save a seven-year-old child trapped by a seatbelt; the responders were recognized individually and thanked for their work. Additional remarks explained the purpose of the menopause coverage bill, the adoption month resolution, the free speech resolution, and the America 250 resolution. The session ended with no further business and the Senate recessed until June 18.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • renovate their spaces so they can take a collection of old classrooms or maybe unused areas and repurpose
  • increases in salary, the increases in health care, and the infrastructure demands on maintaining those facilities
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 735, Water Access Facilities, enhances Florida's waterways by improving infrastructure and
  • go through rule development, where it is now, and once it goes through rule development, we will repurpose
Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Unfortunately, we had to react when that load was stolen and repurpose and reposition product throughout
  • in where the shipper is responsible for any regulatory fines because that shipment arrived at the facility
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.