So that is what is before us as we begin. Let me close by speaking to you not only as your Chair, but as someone who has been a Mayor, a Member of Congress, a cabinet Member, a corporate vice president, and a chair of a Commission similar to this one.
It is worth observing what a Commission is not. It is not an elected body. It is not a congressional committee. Nor is it a presidential platform committee, a public policy think tank, or a corporate strategic planning department.
All of these fora have important roles to play in the coming policy discussion, but it is not our role.
We are a Commission. That means each of us has literally received exactly that – a commission from the government of the United States.
As commissioned officers of the United States, it is our responsibility to act solely on behalf of the people of the United States as legislated by Congress and signed into law by the President. To be truly successful, we will have to bring our knowledge and rich experiences to this effort – and check our agendas at the Commission door.
Whether we achieve that will determine whether we are part of an historic change – or next year's doorstop.
US Department of Transportation
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