FHWA Nominee Touts Credentials and Track Record at Senate Confirmation Hearing

What happened: The Biden administration’s nominee to lead the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Shailen Bhatt discussed his qualifications during a confirmation hearing Sept. 14 before the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. The hearing was also the first opportunity since March 2 to discuss implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Committee members asked Bhatt how he would interpret the law and support state initiatives. Bhatt cited his public sector work in Kentucky, Delaware, Colorado, and at the Obama administration – to increase highway capacity – as evidence of his support for state flexibility in project selection.

‘The best solutions are the ones that are brought forth from the states,’ testified Bhatt, who also worked for ARTBA member firm AECOM.

In response to questions about implementing the IIJA’s project delivery reforms, Bhatt stated, ‘on the permitting sideÉit is just so critical from a safety perspective, from a cost effectiveness [perspective] that we get these projects delivered on time and on budget, that would be my commitment.’

ARTBA expressed support for Bhatt’s nomination in a Sept. 13 letter to the committee.

Why it matters: The FHWA has operated without a Senate-confirmed administrator for the first 20 months of the Biden administration. Confirmation of Bhatt as leader of the department overseeing 40 percent of the IIJA will ensure continued implementation of the law and allow more oversight by Congress.

What’s next: Bhatt’s nomination must be voted on by the EPW Committee before advancing to the full Senate.