H.R. 2167 — Transportation Equity Act

This section directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish, not later than 120 days after enactment, the Transportation Equity Committee to provide independent advice and recommendations on transportation equity, including a strategic plan addressing national metrics and effects on economic development, connectivity, and public engagement. The committee, supported by the Office of the Under Secretary for Policy, must have 9 to 15 members (an odd number) with balanced representation from academia, community groups, industry, nongovernmental organizations, state/local/Tribal governments, and advocacy/indigenous groups reflecting geographic and experiential diversity; members serve two-year terms (renewable twice consecutively) and must meet at least twice annually in ADA-compliant public venues accommodating at least 100 people. The Federal Advisory Committee Act applies except for section 14 (i.e., no automatic two-year termination).

This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to appoint a full-time federal employee as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for the Transportation Equity Committee to coordinate the committee and ensure administrative support. The DFO must call meetings after consulting the chair, approve agendas, notify members, attend meetings, maintain records, make information publicly available, adjourn meetings as needed, and publish meeting notices in the Federal Register at least 15 days in advance.