Congressman Lipinski (IL-3) is introducing legislation to rename the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters after former Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar.  A former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Oberstar served for 36 years as a member of the committee and for 12 years as a staff member.  Oberstar passed away on May 3^rd at the age of 79. 

“The man I called ‘Mr. Transportation’ served the people of Minnesota for over 36 years, becoming the state's longest-serving member of Congress,” said Rep. Lipinski.  “Jim’s thoughtful and thorough approach to crafting legislation had a tremendous impact on transportation across the country. I witnessed firsthand how his knowledge and passion helped people understand how important transportation is to our economy and our future.  He was a mentor not just for me but for many, many members over his long career in the House.”

Rep. Oberstar was elected to Congress in 1974.  Rep. Lipinski first introduced legislation to rename USDOT headquarters after Oberstar was narrowly defeated in the 2010 midterm elections. 

“His accomplishments were many,” stated Lipinski.  “He ensured the passage of important airline, highway, and rail safety legislation.  He was also vital to the adoption of intermodalism, the seamless integration of air, sea, rail, and road transportation that many Americans take for granted.  But Jim may have been most proud of the Safe Routes to Schools program.  It would only be right that the man synonymous with transportation have his name forever attached to this building.”

Congressman Lipinski says Oberstar dedicated his life to the advancement of transportation in America and he excelled at his craft, possessing leadership, experience, and knowledge that was second to none.