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Politiparty

119th Congress Transportation and Public Works

H.R. 851: DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

Introduced

  1. Introduced (completed)Jan 31, 2025
  2. Passed House (not reached)
  3. Passed Senate (not reached)
  4. To the President (not reached)
  5. Became law (not reached)

Summary

Introduced in House, Jan 31, 2025

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).

Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.

The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.

Read the full summary

The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such as

  • creating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; or
  • disclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.

The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Roll calls

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Amendments

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Other bills by Steve Cohen

History

  1. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in the House by Steve Cohen.
Show the full action history (3 actions)
  1. Feb 1, 2025Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
  2. Jan 31, 2025Introduced in House
  3. Jan 31, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.