Carper named top Democrat on Senate EPW Committee

The Democratic caucus picked leaders Wednesday and Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware will be the ranking Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee.    Senate Democrats installed Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., to serve as the ranking party member on the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, the key body for passing surface transportation and water infrastructure authorization legislation that is critical for the freight industry.
   The appointment came as Senate Democrats made their leadership selections on Wednesday. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., was officially voted by the caucus to be Minority Leader. Sen. Dick Durbin, D.-Ill, remains the minority whip, second in line after Minority Leader Charles Schumer. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is assistant Democratic leader and number three in the leadership, followed by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who will chair the caucuses’ Policy and Communications Committee.
   The Senate is the only hope for Democrats to forestall any polices of President-elect Donald Trump because of the super-majority required to pass legislation and confirm nominees. Democrats hold 48 seats. Democrats are expected to fight many changes to tax and healthcare policy, but could get onboard infrastructure investment, political observers say.
   Carper replaces Sen. Barbara Boxer, D.-Calif., who will retire at the end of her term this year.
   Carper has long advocated for more infrastructure investment, including raising the federal fuel tax to help pay for highway and bridge upgrades.
   Sen. John Barasso, R-Wy., was previously named by Republicans to chair the EPW Committee.
   “Our nation faces many challenges at this moment, particularly how we grapple with the very real and very damaging effects of climate change and the need to rebuild and modernize our nation’s infrastructure, from roads and bridges to transit and water systems. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with the incoming Trump administration to tackle these challenges head on,” Carper said in a statement. “Sen. Barrasso and I have enjoyed a good and productive working relationship over the years, and while we might not agree on everything, my hope and expectation is that we will do our best to come together where we can to make progress on numerous fronts.”