T&I Chair DeFazio won't seek re-election in 2022

U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, announced Dec. 1 that he will not seek re-election in 2022.

DeFazio has served 36 years in the House, and is the longest serving House member from Oregon and 65th-longest serving member of the House in U.S. history, according to a press release issued by his office.

"It's time for me to pass the baton to the next generation so I can focus on my health and well-being," DeFazio said. "This was a tough decision at a challenging time for our republic with the very pillars of our democracy under threat, but I am bolstered by the passion and principles of my colleagues in Congress and the ingenuity and determination of young Americans who are civically engaged and working for change."

A number of leaders of passenger-rail and rail industry organizations issued statements praising DeFazio for his work on the T&I Committee since he was elected to Congress in 1986. Following are excerpts of their comments:

"Chairman DeFazio has played an indispensable role in advocating for public transit, passenger rail and all American infrastructure over a remarkable 36-year career. He has been an indefatigable advocate for access to affordable and reliable public transportation for all, and most recently has been instrumental in our efforts to secure both COVID-19 emergency relief as well as once-in-a-generation investments in public transportation in the bipartisan infrastructure law." — Paul Skoutelas, president and CEO, American Public Transportation Association

"As a champion for transportation, and in particular for Amtrak and passenger rail, we’d like to thank Chair DeFazio for his unwavering support throughout his many years of service. With a passion for sustainably expanding our nation’s transportation infrastructure, his work will benefit rail passengers for decades to come." — Stephen Gardner, president of Amtrak

"The nation’s passengers owe an immense debt of gratitude to Chairman DeFazio for his many decades of fighting for Amtrak and — above all — a safer, cleaner and more efficient transportation network able to connect all Americans." — Jim Mathews, president and CEO, Rail Passengers Association

“He has proven his immeasurable value as an advocate to seaports over the course of his time in this role as chairman. He was integral to the restoration of Water Resource Development Act legislation in every Congressional session from 2014 through 2020, and championed the long sought Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund reform included in 2020. We had the unique honor of naming him as Port Person of the Year in early 2021.” — Christopher Connor, president and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities