Blog: Modernizing Infrastructure, Creating Jobs

Statement

Dear Friend:

As your representative in Congress, I spend several days each week in Washington, D.C. fighting for you. So I fully understand that the news out of our nation's capital can sometimes be frustrating and difficult to follow. This is unfortunate because it keeps Hoosiers from getting a clear picture of my work on your behalf.

While my day to day work in Washington involves a wide array of responsibilities, one I am most proud of is my membership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Indiana is the Crossroads of America, which is why I fought hard for a seat on this important committee. Since then, I have also been selected as the Ranking Member, or top Democrat, on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

The Transportation Committee is responsible for overseeing the nation's transportation infrastructure--including highways, transit, aviation, rail and waterways. Each year, the Committee considers legislation directing billions of dollars in transportation projects and dictating policy on everything from transportation safety to vehicle fuel economy to disaster relief. These decisions result in jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans and billions of dollars in commerce, both from construction and from transportation of goods

While the impact of the committee is vast, its impacts on Indianapolis are easy to see. It allows me to promote development of a modern public transit system and focus your tax dollars to highways and bridges. My committee work also helps support local jobs like those at Amtrak. The work of the committee puts Hoosiers to work and grows our economy.

As the top Democrat on the Economic Development panel, I recently led consideration of the FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2013, the first ever re-authorization of our nation's emergency management agency. This critical bill will improve the federal response to natural disasters, including disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The full committee approved this bipartisan bill overwhelmingly and it is waiting to be approved by the House this year. This is a positive step for Hoosiers as it will ensure we are prepared for and can adequately respond to natural disasters..

I take great pride in knowing that my work on the Transportation Committee is making a direct impact on the 7th District. If you are interested in more information about my work in Washington or if there is anything I can do for you, please contact my office.

Sincerely,

André

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