Congressman André Carson Selected as Ranking Member of House Aviation Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) announced his selection as the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, to serve as the Ranking Member.  This leadership role encompasses the Subcommittee’s oversight of all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, airport infrastructure, labor, international issues, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“As Ranking Member, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen safety, modernize our air traffic control systems, and support a resilient workforce – from the flight deck to crew and maintenance teams on the tarmac,” said Congressman Carson. “We must ensure our country invests boldly in the future of air travel and aerospace innovation to keep America’s gold standard of safety.

"I am honored to begin this new role at such a critical time for aviation. Safe, reliable air travel is more important than ever, especially after so many travelers experienced delays and cancelations at major airports because of the government shutdown. I'm proud to represent the Indianapolis International Airport -- named Best Airport in North America for 13 consecutive years – and this role will allow me to continue fighting for this essential part of our local economy. 

“Congratulations to Representative André Carson for becoming Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation,” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen said. “This well-deserved promotion is a culmination of his unwavering advocacy for the flying public and aviation workers alike. I look forward to continuing working with him to improve the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation system while creating good-paying jobs and supporting the hardworking women and men that fuel this system.”

“Congressman Carson is a statesman, and his appointment as Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee is a testament to his deep understanding of the aviation ecosystem and his commitment to public service,” said Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to work with him in a more elevated way as he advances the next generation of American aviation.”

As Ranking Member, Carson will help guide the Subcommittee’s work to fully implement the current FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and address emerging security threats, climate-related disruptions, workforce shortages, and aging infrastructure. He will also focus on updating navigation systems, advancing new aviation technologies, strengthening safety standards, and expanding sustainable infrastructure to keep America competitive in global aviation.

Carson has been a member of the Aviation Subcommittee since 2013, where he has been a strong advocate for policies to make air travel safer and fairer, including strengthening passenger protections, blocking efforts to privatize air traffic control, fighting for fair labor standards, improving accessibility for travelers with disabilities, and investing in modern, sustainable airport infrastructure.

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