Press Release

Buchanan Named To Highways And Aviation Subcommittees

Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL13) has been tapped to serve on two prime subcommittees of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  Committee Vice Chairman John Mica today named Buchanan to the Highways, Transit, and Pipelines Subcommittee as well as the Aviation Subcommittee. 

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve on such important subcommittees," said Buchanan.  "Through these subcommittee's I will work with Congressman Mica to ensure that Florida's aviation and surface transportation needs are addressed." 

In the 110th Congress, the Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subcommittee will begin work on the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, which authorizes federal funding for the nation's highway projects.  Under the current bill, which expires in 2009, Florida will get back just 92 cents for every dollar residents pay in to the federal highway trust fund. 

"This region has been neglected for far too long," said Buchanan.  "I will fight for our fair share of transportation funding to improve safety, reduce congestion, and encourage economic development.   I look forward to working with state and local officials to advance their transportation priorities."

The Highways, Transit, and Pipelines Subcommittee oversees about 75 percent of the transportation budget.  The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).

As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, Buchanan will help draft legislation this year to reauthorize federal funding for the nation's aviation programs. 

"Safe, efficient, and affordable air travel is vital to Florida's tourism based economy," said Buchanan.  "Both major hubs and smaller regional airports are important components of our transportation infrastructure.  I will work to improve safety, increase capacity, reduce congestion, and promote competition nation-wide.  I will also fight for our local aviation needs."

The Aviation Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)