WASHINGTON–U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. has been appointed to serve as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, part of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The subcommittee oversees interstate transportation policy issues and focuses on safety, security, and infrastructure development related to highways, waterways, and both freight and passenger rail -- including Amtrak.
“There isn’t a single New Jerseyan who doesn’t count on some kind of federally funded infrastructure, whether it’s our highways, our waterways and ports, or rail transportation,” Sen. Booker said. “My new role on this subcommittee will allow me to work across party lines to improve infrastructure in New Jersey and across the country. These issues are of tremendous importance to growing our state’s economy and creating job opportunities for New Jerseyans. I’m excited to get to work.”
New Jerseyans praised the development.
Anthony Coscia, Chairman of the Amtrak Board of Directors, said, “Hailing from the highest-density state in America and home to major assets like the East Coast’s largest port and our Northeast Corridor, Senator Booker understands that transportation is the life-blood of our economy. It’s hard to imagine a better fit for this important position than Senator Booker and we look forward to working with him on improving the Northeast Corridor and passenger rail across the nation.”
Thomas A. Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are pleased and commend Senator Booker for being named the ranking member to the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. A modern and effective transportation infrastructure is crucial to New Jersey's economic competitiveness, and this subcommittee focuses on safety and infrastructure of both passenger and freight rail. Our region – and New Jersey in particular - needs to be ready for the increase in cargo and goods entering our ports in Newark and Elizabeth as a result of the expected completion of the Panama Canal extension later this year. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is confident that Senator Booker will be an effective voice on these issues vital to New Jersey's economic growth.
Raymond Pocino, Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager of the New Jersey Laborers Union, said “Coming from the densely populated Northeast where all modes of transportation are utilized, Cory Booker understands the importance of a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure. I know Senator Booker is committed to help secure full and sustainable funding for our transportation systems. Our economy and quality of life depends of the ability to move people and product throughout the nation. In his new role on this key subcommittee, Cory Booker can help.”
The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security has jurisdiction over interstate transportation policy issues. In addition to the Committee's broad oversight of the Department of Transportation, the Subcommittee has oversight over the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Office of Research and Technology, the Maritime Administration, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the surface transportation security programs and policies of the Department of Homeland Security. It also has jurisdiction over independent transportation regulatory boards, including the Federal Maritime Commission and the Surface Transportation Board.
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is composed of seven subcommittees, which together oversee the vast range of issues under its jurisdiction. These issues range from communications, highways, aviation, rail, shipping, transportation security, merchant marine, the Coast Guard, oceans, fisheries, climate change, disasters, science, space, interstate commerce, tourism, consumer issues, economic development, technology, competitiveness, product safety, and insurance.
Sen. Booker also serves on the Senate's committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation; Homeland Security and Government Affairs; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.