For Release: Wednesday, February 2, 2005
David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ELECTED TOP DEMOCRAT ON AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) has been elected by his colleagues to serve as the ranking Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee, part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all civil aviation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board and oversight of aviation security at the Transportation Security Administration.    

"The aviation industry is critical to the state of Illinois and our national economy, making it an important national priority," said Costello.  "This is a critical time for the airline industry, and I expect that examining the health of the industry, especially in regard to legacy carriers, will be a top priority for the Subcommittee.  I look forward to developing an agenda with Chairman Mica and our colleagues."

Other issues that are likely to receive attention during the 109th Congress include aviation security, efforts at the FAA to modernize the air traffic control system and ease congestion and delays, and the financial condition of the aviation trust fund.

Costello is currently serving his tenth term in the House of Representatives.  He also serves on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the Railroad Subcommittee, and is a senior member of the Science Committee.  

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