The Department of Transportation subsidizes and regulates highways, airports, air traffic control, urban transit, passenger rail, and other activities. However, taxpayers and consumers would be better off if transportation activities were privatized, which has been a global trend. Opening up the financing and operation of infrastructure to the private sector would save money, spur innovation, and reduce congestion.

The department will spend $83 billion in 2019, or about $650 for every U.S. household. The department employs 56,000 workers.