Airport Alert: Transportation Committee Chair DeFazio to Retire

December 1, 2021 

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime proponent of raising the federal cap on local Passenger Facility Charges, will not be seeking re-election next year. DeFazio issued a statement on Twitter announcing his retirement. 
 
DeFazio is well-respected on Capitol Hill and within the transportation sector for his in-depth knowledge of transportation issues and for being a fierce proponent of transportation investment and safety. He is also credited with playing a leading role in crafting legislation in 1990 that ultimately led to the creation of the PFC.
 
DeFazio was also instrumental in developing the coronavirus relief measures approved in 2020 and earlier this year that included $20 billion to assist airports during the pandemic. And he was a driving force behind the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which contains another $20 billion to help airports build critical infrastructure projects and upgrade aging facilities.
 
AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli released the following statement regarding Chair DeFazio and today's announcement:  

"For nearly four decades, Chair DeFazio has served the people of Oregon with dedication and distinction. His passion for issues of importance, including infrastructure investment, has fueled tremendous progress for airports, the nation's transportation system, and the entire country. His voice will be missed in the halls of Congress, but his legacy will live on for generations to come. I am personally grateful for his leadership and his friendship over the 30 years I have had the privilege of working with him."