Peter DeFazio

If changes to the Jones Act are necessary, Congress should enact them.

When it comes to maritime safety, the sea remains a relentless threat; one that can strike without warning, without mercy, and at any time.

Let me assure you that I am committed to using all the tools at my disposal as Chair to get answers that we need regarding problems related to the design, development, and certification of the 737 MAX.

One of the most important functions of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is our solemn responsibility to ensure that all the various modes of transportation under our jurisdiction are reliable, and most of all, safe to use by…

There is an old saying, all Coast Guard safety regulations are written in blood, as each new regulation reflects lessons learned from the latest marine disaster.

I have always had concerns about the classification societies, because: 'Hey, come inspect my ship. Oh, wait a minute, you found all of those problems. I am going to hire someone next time to inspect the ship who might overlook those…

The most important function of this committee is to ensure that all of the modes which are under our jurisdiction are as safe as is humanly possible.

It is immoral and unethical for policy makers to abandon our duty to leave a sustainable planet.

We cannot give up. We don't have to. We already have solutions that will put us on the road to lower carbon emissions.

We are already experiencing the consequences of inaction. Our summers are getting hotter, droughts more frequent, and ocean acidification continues to escalate.

Climate change is an existential threat to the planet as we know it, and we have a moral obligation to act aggressively and immediately.

Transportation is the single largest contributor to climate change and carbon pollution in the United States.

I have been an authorizer for 33 years, and we get a little sensitive about these things.

I'm interested in what your plan is to address the backlog and the need for additional storage space for the Smithsonian's growing collection of artifacts.

H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act, and H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act, have broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.

I share Chairwoman Titus' concerns about the Smithsonian's repeated circumvention of authorization by this Committee.

However, when it comes to the Smithsonian's maintenance backlog, you have your work cut out for you.

The Smithsonian's extensive real estate portfolio is a significant part of what allows for the Institution's continued 'diffusion of knowledge' around the world.

In particular, I am hoping that you are going to address what we are going to do with the maintenance backlog.

We want to be advocates for you and help with these issues.

Without necessary restoration of these aging facilities, the Smithsonian will not be able to carry out its important research or provide world-class exhibits to the public.

The most recent estimate of the cost of addressing overdue maintenance is over $1 billion.

As a Texan, I know how expansive our nation is and how crucial long-distance transportation is to the economic health of our communities.

We simply cannot meet the demands of the future if we let assets languish and fall behind due to chronic underfunding.

Unfortunately, we have never provided the significant capital investments necessary to allow us to enjoy the flourishing passenger rail system.