Rep. Bill Shuster to Lead House T&I Panel in 115th Congress
House Republican leaders chose to stick with Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) as their lead transportation authorizer in the 115th Congress, allowing him to keep control of the influential Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Reacting to the announcement from earlier this week, Shuster pointed to his tenure as committee chairman in which he helped advance a five-year surface transportation bill which President Obama signed in December. He also assisted with the reauthorization of waterways infrastructure policies and passenger rail reforms, and with overseeing pipeline safety legislation.
For the next Congress, which convenes Jan. 3, Shuster indicated he would prioritize the committee’s work on advancing aviation reform policy, as well as President-elect Donald Trump’s infrastructure plans. Trump pledged to present Congress a plan to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure over 10 years by offering tax credits to private companies.
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“We have a unique opportunity to accomplish a great deal for the American people with a president-elect who is focused on improving the nation’s infrastructure,” Shuster said.
Shuster has expressed confidence lawmakers will reach an agreement on a water infrastructure reauthorization that has the potential of advancing to the president’s desk before the House adjourns sine die Dec. 16. House and Senate aides are close to finalizing a bill that would address the different policy directives both chambers offered.
