U.S. Reps. honored for distinguished service

U.S. Reps. Bill Shuster (R-PA), Dan Lipinski (D-IL) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) are all receiving APTA’s Distinguished Service Award.

Now serving his second term as chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, Shuster has focused on promoting the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, increasing transparency and reducing regulatory burdens. He also spearheaded a signature achievement of the 114th Congress — the passage of the five-year, $305 billion FAST Act surface transportation bill.

The most senior member from Ill. of the T&I Committee, Lipinski recently served as a key player in the drafting and passage of the FAST Act. By offering over 20 amendments, Lipinski was able to ensure increased funding for local road and transit projects, as well as address regional transportation priorities. In addition, key provisions of his Future TRIP Act were included in the research portion of the FAST Act to speed the development and deployment of new transportation technology, including connected and autonomous vehicles, which will improve safety, save fuel and reduce congestion.

In November 2014, DeFazio was elected Ranking Member of the T&I Committee, making him the lead of the House Democratic Caucus on issues under the committee’s jurisdiction. DeFazio has long championed the fight to increase funding to maintain, rebuild and expand transit systems throughout the country and will continue to use his position as Ranking Member to fight for robust investment in the country’s aging system.