Washington, D.C. - Today, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) will serve as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit in the 116th Congress. The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit has responsibility for the development of national surface transportation policy, construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities, implementation of highway and transit safety programs and research activities, and regulation of commercial motor vehicle operations.
“With major legislation on the horizon, I am thrilled Congresswoman Finkenauer agreed to take on this new role to help lead the Committee as we find a path forward on federal infrastructure investment," said DeFazio. “I have no doubt her passion for public service will be a huge asset not just to our Committee, but to communities in Iowa and across the country."
“As one of the most powerful subcommittees in Congress, it is significant that Congresswoman Finkenauer has been selected as the Vice Chairwoman," Norton said. “Her prior service as a member of the Transportation Committee in the Iowa House of Representatives will make Representative Finkenauer particularly valuable to the committee and subcommittee. I look forward to working with her as we invest in the nation’s infrastructure and transit."
“Every day in Congress, my focus is Iowa first. When I’m home and having conversations with Iowans across the district from Cresco to Marshalltown, I hear the need for leadership in Washington and the ability to get things done. As the new Vice Chair of Highways & Transit, I am grateful that Chairman DeFazio saw the importance of having Iowa values of hard work and determination at the table and look forward to moving legislation that will address much needed investment in our communities throughout our state and country," said Finkenauer.
Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials
Washington, D.C. - Today, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) announced Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) will serve as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials in the 116th Congress. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the economic and safety regulation of railroads and the agencies that administer those regulations, including the Federal Railroad Administration (which oversees Amtrak) and the Surface Transportation Board. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which provides regulations and safety oversight of pipelines and pipeline facilities, as well as overseeing the transportation of hazardous materials.
“Our Committee plays a significant role in addressing needs in our Nation’s rail and pipeline systems and ensuring public safety, which is why I’m so glad Congressman Allred agreed to take on this new role to continue fighting on behalf of the people we represent," said DeFazio. “I have no doubt he will bring that same energy and his deep knowledge of transportation issues to his new role on the Subcommittee."
“I am pleased to welcome Congressman Allred as the new Vice Chair of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials subcommittee," said Lipinski. “I have been impressed by Colin’s knowledge and passion in the short time he’s been on the subcommittee and his shared appreciation for passenger rail. I look forward to working with him as we tackle many issues this Congress, including pipeline safety and passenger rail reauthorizations."
“Our railroads and pipelines power our economy by helping move people and products," said Allred. “Texas is a leader in the rail and pipeline industry and I look forward to working to ensure these industries succeed safely and work well for the American people. It is an honor to serve as Vice Chair and help lead this subcommittee in a pragmatic, bipartisan way. I thank Chairman DeFazio and Chairman Lipinski for this important opportunity."
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment
Washington, D.C. - Today, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) announced Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) will serve as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment in the 116th Congress. The Subcommittee’s jurisdiction consists generally of matters relating to water resources development, conservation and management, water pollution control and water infrastructure, and hazardous waste cleanup.
“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has a strong history of standing up and fighting for clean water, and protecting the natural wonders of the Florida Everglades," said DeFazio. “On the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee she will surely continue being a powerful advocate, not only for her constituents, but for all who rely on a strong federal commitment to maintaining a reliable water infrastructure system throughout our nation."
“Until this Congress the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment had never been led by a Hispanic woman, and I am proud to say we now have two at the helm," said Napolitano. “When the full Committee was organizing, Congresswoman Mucarsel-Powell selected this Subcommittee as her top choice, recognizing the importance of water to her constituents, the entire state of Florida, and to our nation. On behalf of all of the members of our Subcommittee, I congratulate her on being named Vice Chair and thank her for being willing to serve in this extended role."
“I am honored to serve as vice chair of the Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee and to offer solutions to problems we see in South Florida and across the country. I look forward to pressing for Everglades restoration projects that form the largest environment project in the country that have been ongoing for over 17 years. Protecting our sources of water from contamination, toxic runoff, nuclear power plants, or leaky septic tanks will continue to be a top priority because clean water is essential to our health, livelihood, and economy, and it shouldn’t be a luxury. For too long, the House has refused to tackle one of the greatest threats we face: climate change. While we must increase our resiliency against sea-level rise and stronger, more frequent storms, we must also work diligently to reduce carbon emissions. My time working with the Coral Restoration Foundation and alongside members of my community serves as a constant reminder that we all want the next generation to inherit a healthy planet. I am eager to learn from Chair Grace Napolitano’s vast experience and enact policies that will benefit South Florida and our country," said Mucarsel-Powell.
Source: House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
