House T&I Committee slates first hearing

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) will hold its first hearing of the 115th Congress on Feb. 1 to explore infrastructure challenges, as well as a vision for building a 21st century infrastructure for the nation, Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) announced last week.

The committee will hear testimony from business and labor leaders including FedEx Corp. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Frederick Smith; Cargill Inc. Chairman, President and CEO David MacLennan; BMW of North American President and CEO Ludwig Willisch; Vermeer Corp. Chairwoman Mary Andringa; and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

"America's infrastructure is the backbone of our economy, and the federal government plays a vital, historical, constitutional role in ensuring the American people are connected and our economy is supported through infrastructure. For America to remain competitive, expand our economy, and create jobs, it must have an infrastructure that is ready to meet the needs of the 21st century," committee officials said in a press release.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. EST and broadcast live via webcast.