Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves said on Mar. 27 that he will remain focused on key committee priorities following his plan to retire from Congress at the end of this session.
Graves' announcement comes as the committee faces several major legislative tasks, including a surface transportation reauthorization bill and reforms related to water resources and emergency management. His continued leadership is expected to guide these efforts through completion during his final term.
“For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving in Congress, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history. The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single day,” Graves said.
He added, “Although I have announced that this will be my last term serving as the Representative from the Sixth District of Missouri, we’ve still got a lot of work to do at the Committee. I was honored by my colleagues with a waiver to serve one more term this Congress as T&I Chairman, and I intend to finish strong.”
Graves outlined several priorities remaining for this year: completing a surface transportation reauthorization bill for roads, bridges, highway safety, transit, and rail; working on water resources legislation; reauthorizing pipeline safety programs; modernizing Clean Water Act permitting processes; providing FEMA reforms; and advancing aviation safety measures like the ALERT Act.
“I will remain fully focused on getting these bills and other important legislation over the finish line. Serving as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee... has been a tremendous honor that will drive me until my last day in Congress,” Graves said.
