The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) welcomed the reappointment of Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO) as chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Rep. Graves understands the importance of American aviation as the gold standard globally and works tirelessly to ensure the U.S. remains the world’s aviation leader,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “Equally important, he knows firsthand the critical role general aviation plays in the nation’s economy and transportation system, especially in towns with little or no airline service. We congratulate him on his reappointment as chairman and look forward to continuing our collaboration on policies that support the industry’s leadership in safety, security and sustainability.”
Graves was selected by House lawmakers to retain the chairmanship after the Republican Steering Committee granted him a waiver to state his case for continuing his leadership of Republicans on the committee.
“NATA is thrilled to congratulate Chairman Sam Graves on his selection to the lead the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and we thank the Republican Steering Committee for providing a term-limit waiver and approving him as chair,” said NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “Chairman Graves’ expertise as an aviator and policy maker, his commitment to bipartisan cooperation, and his reputation as a strong leader make him uniquely suited for the T&I Committee gavel in the coming Congress – and were largely responsible for successful passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.”
Graves has a lengthy record of championing legislation fostering general aviation growth. Along with Ranking Member Rick Larson (D-02-WA), Graves was instrumental in securing congressional passage of the landmark, bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, which was signed into law earlier this year. The bill included a first-ever GA title, underscoring the sector’s importance as an essential American industry.
“As we look toward implementation of that transformational legislation in the coming months and years, Chairman Graves’ vigilant Agency oversight and understanding of the aviation ecosystem will be critical to advancing aviation safety, protecting essential air transportation services, streamlining FAA processes, and improving Agency efficiencies through greater cooperation with industry,” said Castagna. “Chairman Sam Graves is a true general aviation champion, and we look forward to continued collaboration with him and his dedicated staff in the 119th Congress.”
A longtime aviator who grew up next to a small airport and was first elected to Congress in 2000, Graves represents a rural district that relies on general aviation for economic development, health care and other vital services.
Graves has been a frequent speaker at NBAA events, including a Newsmakers Luncheon held this year as part of the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
