Washington, DC - Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) released the following statement after Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) was selected as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the 118th Congress:“After eight years of leading the Democratic members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I proudly pass the baton to my colleague and friend, Representative Rick Larsen, who has been an unwavering force for investing in our nation’s infrastructure, spurring economic growth and opportunity, and strengthening the safety of our transportation systems. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation over the past four years, Rick has helped foster innovation and growth to modernize and sustain the aviation sector. He has provided critical guidance and oversight of new and emerging technologies including unmanned aerial systems, advanced air mobility, and sustainable aviation fuels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we fought together to pass the Payroll Support Program, which prevented nearly a million aviation jobs from disappearing. I’m especially grateful for his partnership in investigating the Boeing 737 MAX and for his steadfast efforts in our mission to make sure the story of the MAX is never repeated. “Rick has also been a formidable champion of infrastructure investments, fighting for bold policies and funding, while tirelessly promoting the benefits these investments offer for our families and communities. His leadership will be key as the committee oversees implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the most historic infrastructure law in generations to build and rebuild our roads, bridges, rail, transit, airports, ports, and more. “Leading the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been the honor of a lifetime for me. I expect Ranking Member Larsen will find it to be a great honor as well as he continues the work of improving America’s infrastructure to enhance safety, create jobs, fight the climate crisis, and improve quality of life for all Americans.”
--30--