U.S. Rep Crawford to seek House Transportation and Infrastructure chairmanship

U.S. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, will seek the chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the next Congress. Crawford has represented Arkansas’ First Congressional District since he won election in 2010.

“Over my 13 years serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have developed a close working relationship with both stakeholders in the industry and my colleagues on the committee. Through collaborative effort between the two, we’ve developed one of the most efficient and respected committees in Congress, and I hope to build upon this success as chairman,” Crawford said.

America MOVES is the blueprint which Crawford hopes to enact as chairman. The plan would focus on Mobility, Opportunity, Vision, Efficacy, and Security. The 5-prong strategy tackles a variety of matters from ensuring transportation is moving efficiently to protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

“America MOVES is my plan to address the key issues I see in our infrastructure and transportation systems,” said Crawford. “It means fixing the areas where we have fallen short, working to address the needs of a modern economy, and protecting this improved system from foreign threats.”

Crawford is the second most senior Republican on the committee and currently serves as chairman of the subcommittee on Highways and Transit. In his role as subcommittee chairman, he has led hearings and worked on legislation to address supply chain deficiencies and trucking policy.

Prior to becoming chairman of Highways and Transit, he was the lead Republican for the subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. During that time, he oversaw the government’s response to the Colonial Pipeline hack and fought for strong “Buy America” provisions in the rail industry.

“Our transportation and infrastructure system impacts every facet of our economy and daily life, from the food you buy at the grocery store, to the clothes on your back, to the airplane flight to grandma’s house for the holidays, to the safe and reliable energy you use to heat your home, and so much more. The work we do on this committee is serious, and it requires a balanced approach from someone willing to work with the other side of the aisle and with hundreds of stakeholder organizations. I plan to lead the committee with strong and effective leadership,” Crawford added.