Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
2009 Transportation Bill

The Capitol’s 10 Transportation Players to Know

Even occasional observers of the national transportation scene can probably recognize House transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) or Senate environment committee chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) -- but what about the advisers who act as their eyes and ears in drafting policy?

Here's a look at 10 of Congress' biggest transportation power players, courtesy of Roll Call.

What jumps out is how many staffers have leapt from one transportation-minded member to another. For example, Boxer's senior policy director for transportation is an alumna of Rep. Pete DeFazio's (D-OR) office, while the staff director for Sen. Max Baucus' (D-MT) transportation subcommittee comes from Rep. Nick Rahall's (D-WV) office.

That shared lineage, however, doesn't seem to be helping the House and Senate align their transportation policy planning this year...

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday’s Headlines Are Down on Highways

Two outlets recently featured articles on the harmful effects of ongoing freeway projects.

April 26, 2024

Commentary: There is Zero Ambiguity to the West Portal Tragedy

What happened in West Portal was entirely predictable and preventable. The city must now close Ulloa to through traffic and make sure it can never happen again.

April 25, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Details of Development Reform in Minnesota, Part I

Jim Kumon of Electric Housing discusses his work as a developer and urban policy educator in the Twin Cities.

April 25, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines Don’t Like Riding on the Passenger Side

Can you take me to the store, and then the bank? I've got five dollars you can put in the tank.

April 25, 2024

Study: When Speed Limits Rise on Interstates, So Do Crash Hot Spots on Nearby Roads

Rising interstate speeds don't just make roads deadlier for people who drive on them — and local decision makers need to be prepared.

April 25, 2024
See all posts