Proclamation 9883-National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2019
Issued 2019-05-10 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued a proclamation designating the third Friday in May 2019 as National Defense Transportation Day and the surrounding week as National Transportation Week. This ceremonial proclamation recognizes the transportation professionals who maintain America's roads, bridges, and other infrastructure systems that support both the economy and national defense. The proclamation doesn't create any new laws or legal requirements—it simply draws public attention to the importance of transportation infrastructure.
The proclamation highlights concerns about America's aging infrastructure, noting that more than 25 percent of the nation's bridges are structurally deficient and more than 20 percent of roads are in poor condition. It states that drivers lose nearly $160 billion annually due to congestion and delays, and warns that deteriorating infrastructure could cost the economy nearly 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion in economic output by 2025 if not addressed.
This action affects everyday Americans by focusing national attention on infrastructure challenges and the workers who maintain transportation systems. The proclamation calls on Congress to pass funding legislation for infrastructure repairs and advocates for regulatory reforms to speed up environmental review processes for major projects, which the president noted can currently take more than 20 years. It emphasizes that reliable infrastructure is essential for moving goods, supporting military operations, and maintaining national security.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9883-National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to defense transportation. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9883—National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2019 May 10, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The capability to move and travel freely and efficiently by land, air, and sea is critical to our economic strength, vital to our national defense, and essential to the American way of life. On National Defense Transportation Day and during National Transportation Week, we recognize the dedicated professionals who ensure our transportation infrastructure system is safe, convenient, reliable, and fully prepared to support our national defense. America's infrastructure systems help sustain our competitive edge and military readiness. After many decades of constant and increasing use, much of our Nation's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair. More than 25 percent of our Nation's bridges are structurally deficient; more than 20 percent of our roads are in poor condition; and drivers lose nearly $160 billion annually because of congestion and delays. If left unaddressed by 2025, our Nation's deteriorating infrastructure will drain our economy of nearly 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion in gross domestic product. As a Nation, we cannot af