Republican Lawmakers on Transportation Committee Face Tough Election Races

Several Republican members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee are facing tough election races. A well-known nonpartisan group called the Cook Political Report says some of these races lean toward Democrats. Others are rated as toss-ups, meaning they could go either way. The outcome could change who leads key decisions about roads, bridges, airports, and trains.

Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania is one of the Republicans in the most trouble. His race is rated 'lean Democratic,' which means a Democrat is more likely to win. Perry has served in Congress since 2013 and leads a subcommittee on emergency management and public buildings. He has been skeptical of climate change and opposed spending on electric vehicles and mass transit.

Rep. Rob Bresnahan, another Pennsylvania Republican, is also in a difficult race rated 'lean Democratic.' He serves as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. Bresnahan has worked on getting more federal funding for bridges in small towns. If he loses, that work may stall under new leadership.

In Michigan, Rep. Tom Barrett's race is considered a toss-up. He helped write a bill to connect military veterans with jobs in transportation. In California, Reps. Kevin Kiley and James Gallagher face even tougher odds after their districts were redrawn. Their seats are rated 'Solid D,' meaning Democrats are very likely to win.

Rep. Nick Begich III of Alaska is in a competitive race, but his chances look slightly better. His race is rated 'Lean R,' giving him a small advantage. Other Republicans are leaving the committee by choice or due to earlier losses. These include Reps. Dusty Johnson, Thomas Massie, Troy Nehls, Daniel Webster, and committee chair Sam Graves.

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by former NTSB vice chair Alvin Brown, who said he was wrongly fired by President Donald Trump. Judge Dabney Friedrich said Trump gave no reason for the firing, but a recent Supreme Court ruling gave the president the power to remove officials like Brown. Brown's claim that race played a role in his firing was also dismissed, though he may bring that claim again. The NTSB board, which usually has five members, is now down to just three.

In exciting aviation news, electric air taxi flights will soon take place in Florida. The Transportation Department announced that Florida partnered with Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies to fly cargo across Tampa Bay. These aircraft take off and land straight up and down, like helicopters, but run on electricity. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called it a historic moment.

The flights are part of a federal program called the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program, or eIPP. Planned routes include a flight between downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa International Airport. A new 'vertiport' — a special landing pad — will open at Orlando International Airport. A demonstration is also planned at Kennedy Space Center.

Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina said he hopes Congress can pass a major transportation bill by the end of the year. Speaking at a conference in his state, he said it would not be easy but called it possible. Many experts believe Congress will just extend the current deadline instead. Rouzer is expected to become the top Republican on the Transportation Committee in the new Congress.

The Federal Railroad Administration also announced $1.24 billion in rail safety funding. The money will support 91 grants across 37 states. Much of it will go toward fixing dangerous spots where roads and train tracks cross, as well as improving traffic signals. This funding comes from an infrastructure law passed during the Biden administration.