NJ Congressman Named Vice Chairman of House Railroad Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Freshman Cong. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) has been named vice chairman of the House Transportation subcommittee on Railroads.

Ferguson, who represents the 7th district -- based in Union, N.J. -- is new to Congress and the committee.

"Commuter rail transportation is vital to the residents of the Northeast," Ferguson said. "So many New Jersey families rely on this fast and reliable mode of transportation to commute to work and return in time for family dinners and soccer games."

Ferguson said he would use the position to fight for a greater share of federal transportation funds to keep "our trains safe, affordable and environmentally sound."

Other vice chairmen named to the House Transportation Committee include:

• Cong. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.), who will be vice chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee.
• Cong. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who will be vice chairman of the Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management subcommittee.
• Cong. Mark Kennedy (R-Minn.), who will be vice chairman of the Highways and Transit subcommittee.
• Cong. John Cooksey (R-La.), who will be vice chairman of the Aviation subcommittee.
• Cong. Dennis Rehberg (R-Mont.), who will be vice chairman of the Water Resources and Environment subcommittee.