For Release: Tuesday, February 7th, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO NAMED TOP DEMOCRAT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was today officially named the ranking Democrat on the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the 107th Congress. Costello will also serve on the Aviation Subcommittee and the Highways and Transit Subcommittee. He is currently the 7th most senior Democrat on the full Transportation Committee, and has served there since his election to Congress in 1988.

The Economic Development Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the economic development of distressed urban and rural areas and the agencies involved in these activities, including the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It also covers the operation and maintenance of Federal buildings through the General Services Administration (GSA), and the purchase and construction of post offices and courthouses throughout the United States. Importantly, the Subcommittee also oversees the Federal management of emergencies and natural disasters through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Chairman of the Subcommittee is Steven LaTourette (R-OH).

"I am very pleased to be taking a leadership role on the Economic Development Subcommittee," Costello said. "The issues addressed here are of particular importance to the 12th District of Illinois and the nation, and I anticipate that we will have a very active agenda."

Costello served as ranking Democrat on the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Science Committee during the 106th Congress. He expects to remain on both this Congress, but House rules prohibit a member from holding two ranking memberships.

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