US Rep. David Rouzer, R-NC07, has been appointed chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, which is part of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I).

“Having served on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since I was elected to Congress, I understand the importance the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has in shaping the integrity and future of our nation’s transportation and supply chain systems,” said Rouzer.  “As the Committee addresses surface transportation reauthorization, I’m eager to begin working with Chairman Graves and my colleagues to bolster our nation’s rail and pipeline infrastructure to improve safety, our energy security, and strengthen America’s economy.”

The subcommittee oversees the economic safety and regulation of railroads, pipeline safety, and the transportation of hazardous materials. It also has authority over the agencies responsible for these regulations. Key agencies under its jurisdiction include Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). A complete list of the issues and agencies the subcommittee manages is available here.

The overseeing T&I Committee, is chaired by Rep. Sam Graves, R-MO. On December 12, the Republican Steering Committee tapped Graves to continue as chairman in the 119th Congress, according to a press release.

“The Committee will hit the ground running in 2025,” said Graves. “Our work will include working with President Trump to advance his infrastructure priorities, developing the next long-term surface transportation reauthorization, and reprioritizing policies that are consistent with the core purpose of infrastructure in the first place – moving people and goods safely and efficiently throughout our country.”

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) held its first hearing on the state of transportation in the US. Many of the issues raised during the hearing will play a key role in shaping the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill that the Committee plans to develop.

Two major themes discussed in the hearing were formula programs under the surface transportation reauthorization. First, formula programs would provide funding directly to the states that can be directed to specific needs and priorities. The other primary issue discussed was streamlining processes, especially project approval and infrastructure delivery. 

A key moment in the hearing came when Rep. David Rouzer asked Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry for his thoughts on how the US can optimize the delivery of energy resources that drive the economy, with streamlining project approval being a focal point of the conversation, according to a press release.

Rouzer joins other North Carolina Republican members of congress appointed to leadership positions for the 119th Congress.