Missouri Rep Sam Graves May Lead to Streamlining in Aviation Industry 

The would-be chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee may be of interest to pilots as Missouri Rep Sam Graves brings his own flight time to the position.  

Graves is set to replace the current Committee chair, Oregon's Peter DeFazio, who has led the panel since 2015. Graves has made some news in recent months over his comments regarding the "bipartisan infrastructure law", somewhat overshadowing the change in leadership once he takes charge of the House Committee. Congressman Graves, in a rare turn of events for a politician, brings real career history to the floor - a lifetime in aviation as a professional pilot. His approach to infrastructure has been fairly grounded, preferring local oversight and direction for programs over long-distance dictation. His criticism of the bill is emblematic of his thought process, taking issue with the bill's enforcement of what he calls "a one-size-fits-all agenda". Graves would prefer that states be allowed to select their own infrastructure priorities under the bill, instead of taking orders from DC to undergo projects that aren't suited to their local economies. 

As an ATP-holding pilot, Graves is of particular interest in his approach to the upcoming reauthorization of the FAA. The Missouri Republican appears to loathe red tape in all its forms, favoring down-to-Earth, grounded approaches to solving problems with minimal fuss. His office describes him as well and truly “frustrated with the long wait times and bureaucracy” that come attached to all things aeronautical today, particularly noticeable given the multiple fronts of quick-moving technology the administration now oversees. 

The traveling public has similarly found fault with the FAA, with an uptick in complaints reported throughout the post-covid-19 travel period. Recent years have exposed a number of simmering issues in the aviation industry, in everything from the appropriate treatment of unruly passengers to workforce relations. Graves' office says his first priority will be to facilitate pilot retention, as well as the creation of the first standalone general aviation title to bring fresh blood into industry. 

Graves has been relatively mum on the Biden push for sustainable aviation fuel programs, but may be seen as generally favorable to new technologies. Should those new programs come at the expense of existing infrastructure, then that support may waver. His office has said that the country "can't afford to stifle growth" of new technologies like UAVs, air mobility, and vertiports. That's promising news for industries on the upswing, in any case.

DeFazio, the current chair, announced his retirement from Congress in 2021, but has not yet provided an exact date to step down.

FMI:www.graves.house.gov