James Oberstar: “I wish to express my great appreciation for the cooperation of all the members on the Democratic side on the Committee…”

“I wish to express my great appreciation for the cooperation of all the members on the Democratic side on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. We had many, many meetings and discussions to iron out differences, to reach agreements, to reach consensus on matters, that compromise that we have offered to the majority in our committee. In particular, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) has been an absolute champion on pipeline safety; the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larson), who has been a vigorous advocate stemming from the tragedies that resulted in his own district; the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Carson), who, likewise, has been a vigorous advocate and a staunch supporter of strong pipeline safety legislation; and many others on our committee who have contributed long hours in the discussion and debate internally. But especially my appreciation goes to the chairman of our committee, whose patience, as I said a moment ago, is legendary.”