WASHINGTON, D.C. — Convening of the 113th Congress Wednesday, Jan. 16, brought new congressmen to the chairmanships of the primary committees with jurisdiction over most aviation matters. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) was confirmed as chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) was named chair of the Aviation Subcommittee.
Both Representatives have long service on the committees. Shuster served on the Transportation Committee since coming to Congress in 2001. He previously served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management. He said the committee will focus on reforming programs and strengthening America’s transportation networks to make the US more efficient, competitive and prosperous.
LoBiondo has been a member of the Aviation Subcommittee since 1997. His district in New Jersey has a strong
connection with aviation. In it are the FAA Atlantic City Technical Center with thousands of employees, the Atlantic City International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration Security Lab, and the federal air marshal training facility. “My focus,” he said, “will be to increase the effectiveness of our aviation network, with a keen focus on improving the safety and security of all users.”
Shuster takes the gavel from Rep. John Mica (R-FL) as head of the full committee and LoBiondo replaces Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI).