National, Western Pennsylvania Transportation & Infrastructure Leaders Celebrate Deluzio Joining House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
CARNEGIE, PA – Following Congressman Deluzio’s announcement of his appointment to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, community leaders across Western Pennsylvania celebrated this as a win for the people, workers, and infrastructure in the region.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation and is responsible for program authorization and oversight of the Department of Transportation. Additionally, it has jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, most types of water infrastructure, the nation’s emergency preparedness and response programs, federal economic development agencies, the Coast Guard, and federal buildings.
"I am pleased to announce that Congressman Chris Deluzio has been appointed to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "Chris is a leader who gets things done and a champion for the hardworking people of Western Pennsylvania. I look forward to working together as we continue to rebuild our crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and rail systems while creating good-paying union jobs at the same time.”
“As a veteran, voting rights advocate, and union organizer, Representative Chris Deluzio will bring both vision and fight to the T&I Committee to help strengthen transportation safety and support transportation workers,” said T&I Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen. “Last year, he acted swiftly to craft bipartisan rail safety legislation when the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, devastated his community. He will continue to be a steadfast advocate for rail safety, protecting Pennsylvanians and communities across the country, as well as work to make America’s infrastructure cleaner, greener, safer, and more accessible.”
“I’m thrilled that my friend Congressman Deluzio is joining this critical committee,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “He is a tireless advocate for the people of Pennsylvania, and his voice will make a real difference.”
“Western PA is lucky that Rep. Deluzio volunteered for this committee,” said Port of Pittsburgh Commission Board Chair and former United States Congressman Conor Lamb. “It shows that amidst all the chaos in Washington, he is keeping his focus on jobs and bringing back federal money to help our region.”
“We are excited to hear that Representative Chris Deluzio has been selected to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said Mary Ann Bucci, Executive Director of the Port of Pittsburgh. “This is important to the Port of Pittsburgh Commission as we begin the Mega Project (The Upper Ohio Navigation Project) on the Ohio River. It has been many years since we have had representation on this committee. All the transportation modes: barge, rail, trucking, and airlines in this region, will benefit by having him serve on this very important committee.”
“Congressman Deluzio is a great partner and his support of Pittsburgh International Airport continues to be important in securing funding for infrastructure and other key areas. Our region has a long history of representation on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is critical for so many sectors, including aviation. We look forward to continue working with the congressman in this important role,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis.
“It is always a great thing when leaders like Congressman Deluzio are appointed to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “As the metropolitan planning organization for 10 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we plan for the region’s future transportation, infrastructure, and economic development needs. Having a voice at the table when the Committee is considering legislation pertaining to these matters will ensure that our region’s priorities are not only heard but prioritized.”
“Transportation and infrastructure projects are crucial job creators for union workers in Western PA,” said Darrin Kelly, President of the Allegheny Labor Council. “That’s why we are so grateful that Congressman Chris Deluzio, a strong advocate for the Union Way of Life, is the newest member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Now, our very own Congressman is better positioned than ever to fight for much-needed infrastructure improvements that will also create good, union jobs in our region and continue to grow our economy.”
“The hardworking men and women of the Building Trades are the workforce that fix our roads, strengthen our locks and dams, update our water systems, and so much more,” said Greg Bernarding, Executive Business Manager of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades. “Since so much of our work falls under the umbrella of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it means a lot to have Congressman Deluzio, a fighter for Western Pennsylvania and the Union Way of Life, at the table and on by the committee that creates so many jobs for our members. We stand ready to partner with Congressman Deluzio to get things done during his time on this powerful committee.”
“Federal funding, specifically in the transportation and infrastructure sector, is key to the future of the Pittsburgh region, as it supports business investment, in-market expansion, our ability to attract and retain talent and improves our region’s quality of life,” said Matt Smith, Chief Growth Officer, Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “Congressman Deluzio’s appointment to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is vital as we work to secure investment for projects across the region - from the new terminal modernization program at the Pittsburgh International Airport to investments in our waterways and public transit. I congratulate Congressman Deluzio on his appointment and look forward to our continued partnership in supporting transportation and infrastructure investment in the southwestern Pennsylvania region.”
“The transit workers at Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85 are thrilled to hear that Congressman Chris Deluzio is now on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,” said ATU Local 85 Financial Secretary Treasurer, Jeffrey DiPerna. “We need more members on that committee who understand the importance of public transit, and the workers who make it run, in our communities & across the country. ATU looks forward to partnering with Congressman Deluzio in his important work on this critical committee. Many of our members are veterans, and we are grateful in Congressman Deluzio to have a fellow Navy veteran on our side and who has our back!”
“Rail workers in Western PA and across the country are glad to hear that Congressman Deluzio is now a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee,” said Dennis Sabina, Transport Worker Union (TWU) Local 2035 President. “It's fitting and a bit unusual that Congressman Deluzio has been chosen for this important position as a freshman. This appointment is a tribute to the long hours of endless work and dedication the congressman has put into helping the great people of Western PA.
Since the Norfolk Southern train that was heading to the railyard where I worked derailed in nearby East Palestine, Congressman Deluzio has continually fought for rail safety and rail workers. I hope having him on the committee will help advance his important bill, the Railway Safety Act.”
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