Walz named to House Transportation Committee

01/12/2007

ROB HOTAKAINEN
Star Tribune
Last update: January 11, 2007 – 9:03 PM


WASHINGTON - Minnesota Freshman Democratic Rep. Tim Walz has landed a seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, an influential panel that divides federal money for road projects.

Walz, who earlier was appointed to the House Agriculture Committee, now finds himself in an unusual position: Both of his committees are headed by Minnesotans -- Democrat Jim Oberstar is chairman of the Transportation Committee, while Democrat Collin Peterson is in charge of the Agriculture Committee.

"I am thrilled to be appointed to the Transportation Committee," said Walz. "The infrastructure of a community is what allows it to grow and prosper. Sadly, much of our rural infrastructure has been allowed to fall into disrepair."

The committee has jurisdiction over highway funding, the Mississippi River Locks and Dams, and railroad transportation, among other things.

Committee assignments have been dribbling out this week as Republicans and Democrats continue organizing for the new Congress. On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced that Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., will serve on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Earlier, McCollum was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee.