Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón was selected to serve on the influential Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, where she will continue to oversee and advocate for funds and tools to aid reconstruction efforts in Puerto Rico. She will also continue serving on the House Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to the U.S. territories.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has jurisdiction over all matters related to means of transportation: aviation, maritime, highways, bridges, public transportation and trains. It also has jurisdiction over other aspects of the national infrastructure, such as flood control projects, wastewater management, potable water, the development of disadvantaged urban and rural areas, and disaster preparedness and response.
As a member of the Committee, González will have an oversight role over agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
among others.
The Congresswoman indicated she will seek to advance recommendations related to the future GAO study on the viability of establishing an Air Cargo Center in Puerto Rico, a provision that became law as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Additionally, she will provide oversight of federal agencies, such as FEMA, regarding reconstruction and recovery efforts; improvements to infrastructure and roads; the development and improvement of regional airports, as well as port dredging and revitalization; the creation of a more efficient and resilient electrical system; and flood control projects carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among other matters.
Congresswoman González-Colón's selection to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was announced yesterday by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO). The Resident Commissioner also met yesterday with the Chairman of the Committee, Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), who visited Puerto Rico with the Congresswoman in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria to inspect the island's infrastructure, including the Palo Seco Electric Power Plant, and to discuss other agenda priorities.
As a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, the Congresswoman will continue to advocate and work for Puerto Rico's full equality.