Elaine Chao in Trump campaign vs. Trump administration

On Technology: NY-NJ Tunnel means less funding for other projects

Opposition to the Gateway project [a $30 billion connector between New York and New Jersey] has lingered elsewhere in the administration. And according to a Democratic congressional aide, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has told lawmakers that funding the Gateway project means less money will be available to fund smaller projects in their districts.

The House included $900 million in potential funding for Gateway in a spending bill that it passed in September. But an amendment backed by 155 Republicans and four Democrats attempted to strip the funding from the bill. The legislation has not been taken up in the Senate.

"North Carolina and the other 48 states should not have to foot the bill for this hall of fame earmark," said Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), who offered the amendment.

Source: Washington Post, "NY-NJ Tunnel" on 2018 Trump Administration Mar 2, 2018

On Technology: Make self-driving cars a reality, and quickly

The Trump administration wants to make self-driving cars a reality, and quickly. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao made a push for the driverless vehicles. "We're being petitioned now by equipment manufacturers and tech companies to redesign the way cars look," she said. "The cars of the near future won't have driver side rearview window; they will look like living rooms."

Chao explained that while the DOT is tasked with addressing "legitimate customer concerns of safety, security and privacy," its ultimate task is to "make sure we're not hampering this innovation." Her department will roll out new voluntary guidelines for autonomous vehicles in an effort to increase flexibility around limitations on new technologies and to encourage the quick rollout of driverless cars.

The vast majority of car accidents occur due to human error, Chao said, and automated technology in the car can make driving safer while "giving back freedom to the disabled and enabling the elderly to lead a full life."

Source: Newsweek's Nicole Goodkind on 2018 Trump Administration Sep 24, 2018

The above quotations are from Campaign promises compared to follow-up actions taken by the Trump Administration. Click here for other excerpts from Campaign promises compared to follow-up actions taken by the Trump Administration. Click here for other excerpts by Elaine Chao. Click here for a profile of Elaine Chao.
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Page last updated: Nov 02, 2024