H.R.851 - DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 851, the DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act, aims to establish a National Roadway Safety Advocate within the Department of Transportation. This advocate would serve as a liaison between roadway crash victims/survivors and the DOT. The goal is to ensure that the DOT's roadway safety programs are informed by the experiences and recommendations of those most affected by roadway incidents.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would create a new position within the DOT focused on stakeholder engagement. This could lead to more responsive and effective roadway safety policies. It also formalizes a channel for victims and survivors to communicate their concerns and recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced communication between the DOT and roadway safety stakeholders.
- Improved understanding of stakeholder needs and concerns within the DOT.
- Potential for more effective and targeted roadway safety initiatives.
- Increased transparency and accountability in DOT's roadway safety programs.
- Empowerment of victims and survivors to contribute to policy development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies due to the creation of a new position.
- Risk of the advocate's recommendations being ignored or marginalized within the DOT.
- Possible overlap with existing DOT offices and programs.
- Increased administrative costs associated with the new position and its support staff.
- The advocate's role is limited and cannot make Department decisions or set policy.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to improve public safety on roadways. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The creation of this position does not infringe upon any specific rights enumerated in the Constitution or its amendments. The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).