Peace Garden News

The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has announced that U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota will chair the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee for the 119th Congress. Previously, Cramer held the position of Ranking Member of the subcommittee from 2021 to 2024.

The T&I Subcommittee oversees several key areas, including the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects and management, public buildings, and regional economic development. During Cramer's time on EPW, the committee has been involved in passing significant legislation such as a major highway bill and three Water Resource Development Acts, all signed into law.

Cramer expressed his commitment to bipartisanship within the subcommittee: "The T&I Subcommittee is one of the few places left in Congress where bipartisanship and regular order are the norm," he stated. He emphasized Americans' expectations for efficient infrastructure: "Americans expect and they understand their roads, bridges, waterways, and efficient interstate commerce is both a federal responsibility and a priority."

Cramer outlined his goals for his tenure as chairman: "My goal on the committee is to improve the nation’s infrastructure by getting the next highway bill and the Water Resources Development Act done on time," he said. He also mentioned plans to address federal real estate issues: "right-sizing this bloated federal real estate portfolio that we have." Cramer looks forward to collaborating with Chairman Capito, Ranking Member Whitehouse, other committee members, and working with former President Trump's administration.

In addition to his role in T&I, Cramer will serve on two other EPW subcommittees: Clean Air, Climate, Nuclear Innovation and Safety; as well as Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife.

Further details can be found on related websites.