WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, released the below statement after Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04) announced his retirement at the end of his term:

“It has been an honor to work with Pete DeFazio, my colleague and friend, on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the last two decades looking out for the interests of the people of Washington and Oregon. Pete has made his mark with his steadfast leadership on behalf of the safety of the traveling public and the women and men who build, maintain and repair our nation’s infrastructure, as well as in seeking to build a cleaner and greener transportation system.

“Working with Pete, we were able to pass a bipartisan law to change how the FAA certifies aircraft after the crash of two Boeing 737 Max airplanes, increasing the safety of air travel in the future. The guidance he provided me in crafting the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act has helped save thousands of jobs nationwide in this critical industry.

“Without Pete’s leadership, we would not be able to say that from here on out, every day will be infrastructure day. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will form only part of his legacy as a Chair of the Committee and as a Member of Congress.

“The U.S. House of Representatives will miss Pete’s leadership in the coming years. However, he still has time to continue to add to his impressive list of accomplishments over the next year, and I will do whatever I can to support him.”

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