The Department of Transportation sets national transportation policy and regulates safety across highways, aviation, railroads, transit, pipelines, and maritime shipping. It distributes federal funding for roads, bridges, airports, and transit systems and runs operating agencies such as the FAA, FHWA, and NHTSA. It oversees the carriers, builders, and travelers who use the nation's transportation networks.
Created by Congress under the Department of Transportation Act (Pub. L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931 (Oct. 15, 1966); now codified at 49 U.S.C. § 102), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
