For Release: Thursday, January 15, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) has again been elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all civil aviation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board and oversight of aviation security at the Transportation Security Administration. Costello also served as Chairman during the 110th Congress.

“We have a lot of work to do and I look forward to working with President-elect Obama to enact comprehensive legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration as quickly as possible this year, and addressing air traffic controller issues has to be a major part of that process,” said Costello. “My focus will continue to be on enhancing aviation safety, making progress on the design and implementation of the Next Generation air transportation system, and consumer and passenger issues. Aviation must also be a part of infrastructure investment in any economic stimulus package, and I will continue to work with Chairman Oberstar and my colleagues towards this goal.”

Costello is currently serving his 12th term in the House of Representatives. He also serves as a senior member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the Railroad Subcommittee, and is the second-ranking Democrat on the Science Committee.

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