Democrats Choose Rahall for Transportation

The House Democratic Caucus on Thursday named Rep. Nick J. Rahall, D-W.Va., ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Rahall now serves as vice chairman under Rep. James Oberstar, who will leave Congress at the end of the current session. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., will become chairman in the 112th Congress.

Rahall has been a member of the transportation committee for the 34 years he's served in Congress and is also chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee.

"I understand the enormous challenges facing our nation's crumbling infrastructure and the major investments that will be needed to get Americans back to work," Rahall said. He noted the bipartisanship the committee has traditionally shown. As the senior Democrat on the committee, he said, "I will be in the front seat next year as we pass important legislation to rebuild America and create good paying jobs here at home."

-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.