Washington, DC, January 4, 2019 –Today, House leadership announced the selection of Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to chair the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 116th Congress. The following is a statement by National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President Gary Dempsey and Chief Operating Officer Tim Obitts on the announcement:

“The National Air Transportation Association praises the selection of Representative Peter DeFazio to head the important House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the upcoming Congress. Congressman DeFazio’s commitment to the general aviation community has been critical to our goal of promoting the safety and success of the aeronautical service industry. The Chairman’s understanding of general aviation as a critical economic engine in thousands of rural communities across the nation has always been a great asset to the committee. We are proud to consider Congressmen DeFazio a leading voice for general aviation in Congress and look forward to our continued work together,” stated NATA President Gary Dempsey.

Tim Obitts, NATA Chief Operating Officer, emphasized NATA’s commitment to collaborating with the Chairman on the important issues facing aviation businesses. “In the coming year, NATA will focus on numerous issues impacting the community, including ongoing efforts to combat illegal charter and prohibited flight sharing operations, continued collaboration with the federal agencies tasked with implementing the many reports imposed as part of the FAA reauthorization bill, and a repeal of legislation that diverts billions of dollars from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. We look forward to working closely with the incoming Chairman and the committee to ensure that these important issues are understood by every member and become a priority in the 116th Congress.” 

Chairman DeFazio will be joined by general aviation advocate Rick Larsen (D-WA), who will chair the Aviation Subcommittee.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.