Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), considered the most knowledgeable member of Congress on aviation issues, will lead the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee when the 110th Congress convenes this month. The ranking Republican on the committee will be Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), who was most recently chairman of the House aviation subcommittee. Rep. Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) is in line to chair that subcommittee.
Oberstar has served more than a decade as the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation Committee, which traditionally has worked to build bipartisan compromises on aviation issues. Mica is a 14-year veteran of the committee.
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters called the appointments of Oberstar and Mica “encouraging” as Congress works on new ways to fund and support the nation’s surface and aviation transportation systems. “Taxpayers, travelers, shippers and the American economy all stand to benefit from their years of experience and strong commitment to keeping our airports, highways, ports and rails safe and efficient,” she said.
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