Skip to content

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?

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…

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog USA

Seattle Aims to Turn Vision Zero Dreams Into ‘Durable Law’

October 28, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines Are On the Ballot

October 28, 2026

Study: The Missing Ingredient in the Fight To End Car Crash Deaths is… Fewer Cars

October 27, 2026

Op-Ed: Toronto’s Bike Lane Fight Should Be a Wake Up Call for the US, Too

October 27, 2026

Six Days on the Road and Tuesday’s Headlines May Not Make It Home Tonight

October 27, 2026
See all posts