Introduction of the Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act'' with U.S. Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA) along with U.S. Representatives Stephen Lynch (D-MA) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). Our bill builds upon the ``Safety, Efficiency, and Accountability in Transportation Projects Through Public Inspection Act of 2019,'' introduced by former Congressman Jose E. Serrano (D-NY).

The ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act'' would require construction inspections for federally funded highways to be conducted by public employees. Our bill would allow State or local transportation departments lacking sufficient inspectors to contract privately employed inspectors temporarily. Our bill ensures public safety by requiring that all federally funded bridges, tunnels, and roadways are inspected objectively and thoroughly under the highest safety standards. This work can and should be done by skilled, qualified inspectors employed by state and local departments of transportation.

From the delays in building the carpool bridge connecting the San Diego (405) and Costa Mesa (55) freeways to the series of issues that delayed the Bay Bridge, there are numerous examples where outsourcing inspection work to private contractors has undermined public safety, delayed projects, and contributed to cost overruns. Our bill seeks to avoid these potential conflicts of interest, while also mandating public disclosure of any private inspection contracts used by state and local transportation departments when public inspectors are unavailable.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Members to join us in cosponsoring the ``Public Inspectors for Safe Infrastructure Act.'' As a senior Democratic member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I filed this bill as amendments to the House's 2015, 2020, and 2021 Highway Bills.

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