Newly elected Congressman Jimmy Patronis has been appointed to the United States House of Representatives Standing Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Patronis will also serve on several subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Aviation, Coast Guard, and Maritime Transportation, as well as the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Congressman Patronis expressed gratitude toward several key political figures for this appointment, stating, "Thank you to Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, T&I Chairman Sam Graves, and Congressmen Brian Jack and Richard Hudson for the honor of being appointed to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. With over 1,000 people moving to Florida every day, our roadways, waterways, and infrastructure are essential to our nation’s economy and national security."
In his statement, Patronis highlighted the critical role that infrastructure plays during emergency situations, particularly in Florida, where roadways are essential for hurricane evacuation. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining transportation systems to ensure a steady flow of commerce and vowed to work on eliminating bureaucratic delays in project deliveries.
T&I Chairman Sam Graves welcomed Patronis to the Committee and spoke on the significant agenda that awaits them. "I’m excited for Congressman Patronis to roll up his sleeves and help the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with our full agenda this Congress," Graves said. He outlined plans to enhance the safety of the aviation system, fund port and waterway infrastructure improvements, and support the U.S. Coast Guard in its critical missions. Graves noted the value of Patronis’s legislative experience at the state level to these efforts.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is responsible for overseeing various modes of transportation, including aviation, maritime, highways, bridges, mass transit, and railroads. The Committee's jurisdiction also covers aspects of national infrastructure such as clean water management, flood damage reduction, disaster preparedness, and more. Its broad oversight encompasses numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard, Amtrak, and other key governmental bodies.