Jimmy Patronis gets named to key transportation committee in Congress upon arriving in D.C.

Newly-elected member of Congress Jimmy Patronis is wasting little time getting into the mix of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

The former Florida Chief Executive Officer won the special election April 1 for Florida’s 1st Congressional District in the Panhandle on April 1. He was appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, to a Congressional committee. In his first full week in Congress, Patronis was assigned to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He’ll also serve on several other supplemental panels including the Subcommittee on Aviation, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

“With over 1,000 people moving to Florida every day, our roadways, waterways, and infrastructure are essential to our nation’s economy and national security. During major storms, Florida roadways become critical tools for hurricane evacuation during states of emergency,” said Patronis, a Panama City Beach Republican. “Also, maintaining our roads, bridges, ports, and waterways are vital to ensuring a steady flow of commerce.”

Patronis added he’ll be vigilant in Congress and is committed to fair distribution of funds throughout Florida and all states.

“I am also laser focused on ensuring dollars intended for infrastructure go to the right place, and work to eliminate any red tape that slows project delivery times. I look forward to working alongside my fellow colleagues on this committee to ensure our nation’s infrastructure is second to none in the new golden age of America,” Patronis said.

Rep. Sam Graves, a Missouri Republican, is chair of the committee Patronis was assigned to and offered a welcome to the new lawmaker.

“I’m excited for Congressman Patronis to roll up his sleeves and help the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with our full agenda this Congress. We will be working with the Trump Administration to ensure the safety of our aviation system, funding improvements to our ports and waterways infrastructure, and providing the U.S. Coast Guard with the resources they need to carry out their many critical missions, including stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country across our maritime borders,” Graves said.