Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton would like to be the next Ranking Member (top Democrat) on the House’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee. The position is very likely to become vacant this month when Rep. DeFazio vacates the position to take over as Ranking on the Natural Resources Committee. See our updated story for the background.
It’s a mildly surprising move: we expected Norton would want to remain as Ranking on Economic Development/Public Buildings. As you can imagine, public buildings are a big deal in Washington D.C.
Norton has the seniority and, as importantly, the backing of senior Democrats and she is almost certainly a lock for the position.
Here is Norton’s release, and you can learn more about her here.
“Norton to Pursue Ranking Member Position on Highways and Transit Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, DC – The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today that the Congresswoman will run to become Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure if the position is vacated by Representative Pete DeFazio (D-OR). Norton said that she is grateful to have the support of full Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV), Water Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Timothy Bishop (D-NY), Coast Guard Subcommittee Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA). Norton, who is seeking the support of all of the Democrats on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is third in seniority on the Committee, and the most senior member who could vie for the Highways and Transit Subcommittee position if it is vacated. Under House Democratic Caucus rules, Norton, as the member with seniority, has the right to bid for the Ranking Member position and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Democrats will either approve or reject her serving.
“I am seeking the support of all the Democrats on our committee, but I particularly appreciate the head start that full Committee Ranking Member Nick Rahall and ranking subcommittee chairs Timothy Bishop, John Garamendi, and Rick Larsen have offered me,” said Norton. “I especially would welcome the opportunity to lead the subcommittee this Congress when MAP-21, the surface transportation authorization bill, expires as the nation’s aging infrastructure and transportation system faces unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities to rebuild our country. My 22-year background in construction on the Transportation Committee will be an asset in helping to think through the new surface transportation bill.”
Norton will retain her seat on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management and the valuable influence she has achieved on the subcommittee during her entire service in Congress.”
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Larry Ehl is the founder and publisher of Transportation Issues Daily. In the public sector, Larry was Federal Relations Manager for Washington State DOT; Chief of Staff to US Senator Slade Gorton; and was twice elected to the Edmonds School Board.
Tags: Highways and Transit Subcommittee, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Transportation Issues Daily
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