Congressman Graves Has A Big Agenda

Congressman sam graves

Speaking at the Agricultural Business Council’s March meeting, Missouri’s U.S. Congressional Representative Sam Graves cited several recent accomplishments by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which he chairs. Rep. Graves is in his 12th term representing Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District.

Ag Business Council Founder Gina Bowman introduced Mr. Graves, noting the Council began 20 years ago and Mr. Graves, then a new Member of Congress, was the Council’s first speaker.  Gina reflected on the many changes that have taken place over 20 years and how fortunate for agriculture and Missouri to have Rep. Graves serving as chair of the of the powerful House Committee whose jurisdiction includes all modes of transportation – our aviation system, highways and bridges, transit and rail transportation, pipelines, and maritime and waterborne transportation.

Congressman Graves echoed Gina’s comments about how things have changed, noting on a personal level he is now a grandfather.  At the other end of the age spectrum, he said his family was fortunate that his 90-year old father is still active in their farm and still piloting a combine during harvest.

Turning to the work of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Graves said, “It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to be chosen by my colleagues to chair what I believe is one of the most important and effective committees in Congress. America cannot prosper without a safe and efficient transportation network that meets the economic needs of our diverse states and communities.”

Rep. Graves went on to say that T&IC will have a full agenda over the next two years, including oversight of the Administration, its implementation of the massive $1.2 trillion infrastructure law, and its policies. He noted the legislative agenda ahead included looking at packages to help alleviate ongoing energy and supply chain problems. 

Rep. Graves is looking forward to working across the aisle to develop other key authorizations for the country’s transportation and infrastructure systems, including a pipeline safety bill, a Coast Guard bill and the next Water Resources Development Act.