Mazie Hirono: “Thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise to add my voice to those who are here to give thanks to our chairman, Jim Oberstar, for…”

“Thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise to add my voice to those who are here to give thanks to our chairman, Jim Oberstar, for his extraordinary service to our Nation as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. I certainly count myself fortunate because as a new Member of Congress and a fledgling member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have the example of Jim Oberstar as my chairman. I remember the first time I ever met Jim Oberstar. I was just taken with the breadth of his knowledge, his commitment, and he said to me that this committee, which is the largest in the House, is also one of the most bipartisan committees because everybody needs bridges, harbor, roads, airports. Very true. I don't expect that I will ever be as knowledgeable or articulate on any subject as he is on all aspects of transportation policy, but it's good to aim high. Of course, at this point, it would be pretty much impossible for me to match his 47 years on the committee first as a clerk, next as an administrator, then as a Member, and finally, as an outstanding chairman. Chairman Oberstar has been the clearest, strongest, and most vigorous advocate for restoring America's transportation and infrastructure system.”