In a bit of bad timing Monday, Spears announced she intends to help New Orleans revive its renown Fat Tuesday "traditions," while at a photo op in Philadelphia, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta was taking the pop star to task for photos that showed her driving with her infant son on her lap.

Mineta called the pictures "troubling."

"No matter who you are, there's absolutely no excuse for this display--not instinct, not fear, not even reckless paparazzi," Mineta said, according to the text of his speech found on the Transportation Department's Website. "It's irresponsible to compromise the safety of a child for the sake of the moment."

The Feb. 6 incident in Malibu prompted an inquiry from Los Angeles County child welfare workers, who asked the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to obtain Spears' "contact information." The sheriff's department itself is not investigating the matter.

Spears originally blamed the "reckless paparazzi," as Mineta might say, for her driving away from a Starbucks with son Sean Preston out of his baby seat, and in her arms. She said she acted "instinctively" when confronted with pushy photographers.

Upon further review, she conceded to Access Hollywood last week that she "made a mistake."

The apology, which included the tag, "It is what it is, I guess," did not suffice for Mineta, who kicked off National Child Passenger Safety Week with a little kick to Spears.

"Her actions still send the wrong message to millions of her fans," Mineta said.

Mineta's Spears remarks were limited to four sentences in an address that focused on calling for more states to pass legislation requiring child booster seats.

California, where Spears resides, already has such a law. It calls on all car passengers younger than 6 or weighing fewer than 60 pounds to be placed in either booster or safety seats.

According to the Transportation Department, half of the children aged 14 and under who were killed in car crashes in 2004 were not buckled, boostered or otherwise restrained at the time of the incidents.

"So, I'm asking everyone today to put the safety of all of our children first," Mineta said. "Put your children in booster seats, buckle them up, buckle yourself up and obey driving laws."

Spears, meanwhile, said in a statement that she was "really looking forward to being involved" in Mardi Gras.

As described in a press release, the singer's mission is of the goodwill variety, as opposed to the Girls Gone Wild variety. The 24-year-old Louisiana native, it is said, will bring "smiles and surprises" to the young people of Hurricane Katrina-swamped New Orleans. Her effort will be undertaken in conjunction with ABC's Good Morning America, which is planning to broadcast from the city on Feb. 28.

"I am honored to be part of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans this year," Spears said. "It is so important for this amazing city to continue its annual traditions."

Perhaps owing to the traditions of breast flashing and all-around uninhibited behavior, a FAQ on MardiGras.com says parents should "never" take children to Bourbon Street during the celebration--"unless you want to answer uncomfortable questions."

In order to avoid uncomfortable questions from state troopers, Spears might want to brush up on Louisiana law, which says that children younger than 1 must be placed in rear-facing safety seats. No paparazzi exceptions apparently granted.