What happened: Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) was selected Dec. 15 by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee to lead his party on the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee in the 118th Congress. His likely ascension to the ranking Democrat on the committee follows the retirement of current T&I Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.). Larsen, who has served in Congress since 2001, is now running unopposed for the top position after Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), who has the most seniority of any Democrat on the committee, ended her campaign for the lead spot Dec. 19.
Why it matters: Larsen is a long-time supporter of investing in transportation infrastructure. Given his experience as chair of the House T&I Aviation Subcommittee, Larsen will be well-equipped to lead Democrats through the reauthorization of airport construction programs due next year.
What’s next: The House Democratic Caucus will formally vote on Larsen’s ascension later this week. Individual members of the committee will be selected and announced after the 118th Congress is sworn in Jan. 3.
Related News
Billions More in Mega and INFRA Grants for Transportation Infrastructure
What happened: Thirty-seven transportation projects in 38 states will receive nearly $5 billion in…
As Partial Government Shutdown Looms, ARTBA Urges Action
What happened: Each congressional delegation Jan. 12 received a state-specific overview of the infrastructure…
U.S. DOT Allocates More Than $645 Million in Grants for Rural Infrastructure
What happened: Eighteen states will receive grants to improve safety and boost regional economics…