Bustos Named To Pivotal Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittees

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced that she has been named to the Highways and Transit Subcommittee and the Aviation Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Both of these subcommittees will allow Bustos to continue to advocate for the transportation priorities of Northwestern and Central Illinois.

"I believe that by investing in our networks of roads, bridges, rail lines, airports and water transportation, we are creating jobs and making an investment in our region's long term economic well-being," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "I'll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight for priorities like a new I-74 Bridge, expanded Amtrak service to the region and improving our outdated highways. Our region will not only have a seat at the table in Washington, but a key role in crafting national infrastructure strategy to help America maintain its competitive edge."

The Highways and Transit Subcommittee has responsibility for the development of national surface transportation policy, construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities, implementation of safety and research programs and regulation of commercial motor vehicle operations. It also has jurisdiction over many U.S. Department of Transportation programs.

The Aviation Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, commerce and international issues. All programs of the Federal Aviation Administration, except for research activities, are within the purview of the Subcommittee.

Bustos is a strong proponent of investing in transportation and infrastructure priorities. Last Congress, Bustos' bipartisan Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership (WIN P3) Act, to spur needed upgrades to the aging locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers while also saving taxpayer money was integrated into the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) and signed into law by the President. Last year, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx visited the Quad Cities at the invitation of Bustos to discuss regional transportation priorities, including replacing the functionally obsolete I-74 bridge. More recently, Bustos sent letters to Governor Bruce Rauner, outlining her transportation priorities and advocating for expanding passenger rail service from Chicago to Rockford to Galena.

Source