Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) opened the "Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Member Day" hearing by paying tribute to Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Graves said, "Before delivering my statement, I want to take this moment to honor our colleague and friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. For nearly a decade, Congressman LaMalfa served on this Committee as a valued and thoughtful Member."
Graves highlighted LaMalfa's contributions, stating, "He made this committee a better place to serve. He was a tireless advocate for rural Americans, and his voice will be missed as we continue our work to address the needs of our transportation infrastructure. We continue to pray for his wife, children, and family as they face this unexpected tragedy."
The chairman then outlined the focus of the hearing: "Moving on to today’s business, I look forward to hearing Members share their transportation and infrastructure priorities for the second session of the 119th Congress."
Reviewing recent committee activities from 2025, Graves noted that efforts began with reconciliation measures that included significant funding for the Coast Guard and $12.5 billion allocated toward modernizing air traffic control systems. The committee also advanced bipartisan legislation on pipeline safety reauthorization, passed the FEMA Act of 2025 aimed at reforming emergency management approaches, and approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act as part of broader defense legislation. Additionally, last year ended with House passage of the PERMIT Act intended to improve permitting under the Clean Water Act.
Looking ahead to 2026, Graves emphasized upcoming legislative priorities such as reauthorizing surface transportation programs. He stated that work is already underway on a new surface transportation bill scheduled for markup early in the year.
Work has also started on developing the next Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The portal for submitting WRDA priorities opened earlier in January and will remain open through the end of the month.
Graves concluded by thanking members participating in testimony regarding their districts' transportation and infrastructure needs.
More information about today's hearing is available online including video coverage.
