Rep. Strong Sykes Appointed to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) announced she has been appointed to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the 118th Congress, following official approval by the House Democratic Caucus this morning.
“It is an honor to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I am excited to get to work alongside my colleagues on the committee to deliver real results for the 13th Congressional District of Ohio,” said Rep. Strong Sykes. “Ohio’s infrastructure plays a vital role in the lives of our residents and visitors while also enabling commerce for local and national businesses and freight. I will advocate for improved infrastructure that supports Ohio’s economy, public safety, and quality of life, including modernizing and innovating our roads, bridges, and energy grid.”
“Focused on leveling the playing field, Representative Emilia Strong Sykes has an impressive track record of creating jobs, securing significant investments for Ohio’s transportation systems and infrastructure, and revitalizing communities in Northeast Ohio during her time as the Ohio House Minority Leader,” said Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “Sykes will be a strong advocate for building an economy that works for all, creating jobs that families can thrive on, and building and rebuilding infrastructure that preserves our environment. She will also be a steadfast advocate for expanding mass transit in her district and across the country, which so many individuals rely on.”
While serving in the state legislature, Rep. Strong Sykes fought for significant investments in Ohio’s transportation systems and infrastructure. During her time as Minority Leader, she led the charge to increase support for public transportation in Ohio to a historic level. She secured $140 million for the state’s public transit systems, a 12.5 percent increase for the local community share of new gas tax revenue, and more than $700 million for improving the state’s roads and infrastructure.
Additionally, Rep. Strong Sykes worked with the majority in the state legislature to make the H2Ohio Trust Fund a priority piece of legislation, which provides for the protection, preservation, and restoration of the water quality of Ohio’s lakes and rivers.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation, including the U.S. aviation system, highways and bridges, transit and rail transportation, pipelines, and maritime and waterborne transportation. The Committee also has jurisdiction over wastewater infrastructure, the Nation’s emergency preparedness and response programs, public buildings and federal real estate management, federal economic development agencies, and one of America’s six Armed Forces, the U.S. Coast Guard.
Rep. Strong Sykes will continue her work to support the transportation and infrastructure needs of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, including organizations like the Akron-Canton Regional Airport, METRO Regional Transit Authority, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority, Portage Area Regional Transit Authority, and the Akron and Barberton Cluster Railway.