Shuster named chairman of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) will take over as chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in January, replacing Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), who led Republicans on the committee for the last six years.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Shuster (pictured) told reporters in his first meeting since the announcement that he would consider increasing the 18.4-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax as part of a package of measures being explored to avoid $600 billion in automatic tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect in January.

“You’ve got to look at all your options out there,” Shuster told reporters two hours after he secured the chairmanship. “Is it something difficult? Sure, but I think it’s one of those things we need to look at.”

Shuster also said he’ll be looking out for Pennsylvania’s transportation needs, particularly rehabilitating bridges, locks and dams.

“I’ve got to be the chairman for 50 states but I’m going to make sure I’m paying close attention to my constituents and my state, but at the same time make sure it’s fair,” Shuster said. “It’s not just about Pennsylvania … it’s about getting from Pennsylvania to the Port of Baltimore or the Port of Los Angeles.”