Shuster named as chairman of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) has been named chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Shuster has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since coming to Congress in 2001. He previously served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and as chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. His term as committee chairman begins with the start of the 113th Congress in January.

"Transportation issues are among the most critical that we face in Congress and as a nation," Shuster said in a statement. "Our transportation infrastructure is the backbone that supports economic growth and global competitiveness. Working together in the 113th Congress, the committee will focus on strengthening America's transportation networks to make us more efficient, more competitive, and more prosperous."

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said, "Bill Shuster is an experienced and well-respected member of our conference, and as the incoming chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, his leadership will be critical to our important work in the next Congress."

Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) added, "In Bill Shuster, House Republicans have selected a strong conservative leader with a record of reform and a proven commitment to strengthening our nation's infrastructure."

Shuster's predecessor as committee chairman, Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), was prohibited from seeking re-nomination under the Republican Party's term limits for congressional chairmanships. Mica had considered requesting a waiver from the rule but eventually backed Shuster's nomination, saying Shuster "has both the experience and the ability to assume this important position."

By assuming chairmanship of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Shuster continues a family tradition. His father, former Congressman Bud Shuster, chaired the same committee from 1995 to 2001.