Mary Peltola, Alaska Congresswoman, announced Wednesday that she has been elected to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
It has over 60 members and covers a large area of responsibility. It is responsible for overseeing the nation’s roads, aviation system and shipping. It sets policies on pipelines and wastewater systems, emergency response, public building, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The committee will discuss Alaska issues such as the Essential Air Service passenger air subsidy, the acquisition of icebreakers and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Peltola stated Tuesday that she was not certain her request to be seated on the T&I panel will be granted.
“That’s a highly coveted committee and it’ll be much more difficult to get on that committee. She said that she was realistic in her expectations.
Don Young, Peltola’s predecessor on the committee, was a member and served as its chairperson from 2001 to 2007. He was able to create the $284 billion, five-year surface transportation bill in 2005.
Still being determined are the assignments to House committees. Peltola will likely be seated on House Natural Resources Committee.
