| THE RUNWAY: JANUARY RECAP |
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| COMMITTEE ACTIVITY | |||||
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Among the bills considered, the Pilot Certificate Accessibility Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and originally cosponsored by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS), modernizes FAA requirements by allowing pilots and other certificate holders to present digital versions of certain credentials instead of carrying physical copies. In addition, H.R. 2474, introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH), directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study whether satellite broadband can be effectively incorporated into projects supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission, including an assessment of the technology’s capacity and cost-effectiveness to support businesses and economic development in rural and distressed Appalachian communities. Read more about the legislation passed here.
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| SUBCOMMITTEE ACTIVITY | |||||
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Drugs, Thugs, and Fish: Examining Coast Guard Law Enforcement Effort The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the Coast Guard’s law enforcement missions, including its efforts to interdict the illegal trafficking of drugs and migrants along the maritime border and to deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. During the hearing, Members highlighted the Coast Guard’s critical role in protecting national security and safeguarding American communities. Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) discussed record-breaking drug interdictions, including the seizure of more than 49,000 pounds of cocaine valued at over $362 million in a single patrol, as well as ongoing efforts to address rising maritime migration and secure the southern maritime border. Witness testimony focused on the growing threat posed by IUU fishing, particularly by China’s distant-water fleet, and emphasized the need for sustained investments in personnel and assets to ensure the Coast Guard can effectively carry out its missions. Read more about the subcommittee hearing here. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Member Day Dozens of House Members testified at a hearing to highlight Transportation and Infrastructure priorities critical to their home districts, reflecting the wide range of challenges and needs facing communities nationwide. Members emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure, modernizing air traffic control systems, strengthening public transit, and advancing other key projects. Their testimony showcased the diverse regional perspectives that will help inform the Committee’s work as it develops a comprehensive surface transportation reauthorization bill and other legislation. Read more about the full Committee hearing here.
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| IN MEMORIAM | |||||
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) was a seven-term Member of Congress representing California’s 1st Congressional District, serving from 2013 until his passing on January 6, 2026. A fourth-generation rice farmer from Northern California, Rep. LaMalfa was a leading advocate for rural communities, agriculture, water policy, forestry management, and wildfire mitigation. He previously served in the California State Assembly and Senate and chaired the Congressional Western Caucus. Throughout his career, he was known for his deep commitment to his constituents, conservative values, and tireless work on behalf of rural America. “I am deeply saddened to learn that my friend Congressman Doug LaMalfa has passed away,” said Chairman Graves. “Doug was a valued and thoughtful member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for nearly a decade and a fellow farmer who always strongly championed conservative values and the rights of rural Americans. He was a respected colleague who will be missed in the House of Representatives. My thoughts and prayers are with his fellow Californians, his friends, and his family, especially his wife Jill and their children.” Congressman LaMalfa’s presence and contributions to T&I’s work will be greatly missed, as will his regular office gatherings to serve his famous LaMaffles. |
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