In a recent development, Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, made a trip to Ukraine to discuss the restoration of the nation's transport infrastructure with Ukrainian leaders.
Buttigieg's visit comes in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion, which has had significant impacts on global supply chains, particularly affecting port and rail infrastructure.
Buttigieg took to Twitter to announce his visit, stating, "From the time Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ive kept close contact with my Ukrainian counterpart about impacts to [sic] global supply chains, particularly port and rail infrastructure. Today, Im in Kyiv to deliver on a top ask to place an infrastructure advisor here." He further added that the advisor would "provide technical assistance on project delivery as part of the countrys rebuilding efforts."
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has confirmed the appointment of Robert Mariner as the Transportation Advisor to Ukraine. Mariner, a former U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy engineer, and former advisor to the Transportation Counselor to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, will be responsible for providing technical assistance and sharing best practices on transportation reforms and infrastructure project delivery. This is aimed at facilitating a return to private-sector-led growth and economic recovery in Ukraine, as per the DOT statement.
Buttigieg's visit coincides with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives' move to reduce his annual salary to $1. This decision followed an amendment proposed by Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to a bill proposing cuts to Amtrak. Greene, in a tweet, stated, "American taxpayers should not be on the hook for paying for his lavish trips or his salary," suggesting that her amendment was intended to get Buttigieg fired.
Buttigieg has faced criticism from House Republicans over his delayed response to the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3. He is also under an internal DOT investigation over his use of government airplanes.
In related news, President Joe Biden announced $16.4 billion in new funding on Monday for projects along Amtrak's busy Northwest Corridor. This funding is part of the Bipartisan Investment Deal for rebuilding the country's infrastructure, which Congress passed on Nov. 6, 2021, exactly two years from Bidens announcement.
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