Washington, D.C. — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) expressed appreciation for Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and his leadership as Chairman of the powerful U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as he announced today that he will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives this fall after serving 13 terms in Congress.
Graves, who was first elected to represent Missouri’s 6th congressional district in 2000, has been the top-ranking Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) since 2019. Prior to his chairmanship of the Transportation Committee, Graves served as Chairman of the Small Business Committee. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
“Well, words can’t express the significant role Sam Graves has played in Congress—this is certainly the end of an era. We are so proud of not only what he has done for our nation but for his passion to help keep general aviation strong across the country. And knowing Sam Graves, I am certain he wants to run through the tape and finish a highway bill and continue to add to his already distinguished legacy,” said AOPA Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Advocacy Jim Coon. “There are too many accomplishments to mention here but from his work on several aviation bills, including developing the first ever General Aviation title in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to his current work on the ALERT Act, Congressman Graves has been a fierce advocate for general aviation—promoting good, common sense policies for not only pilots and aircraft owners but for all Americans.”
“I’m honored to call Sam a friend and appreciate all he has done over his career,” added Coon.
Photo provided by EAA
Oshkosh, WI — The Experimental Aircraft Association released the following statement in response to the announced retirement of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Missouri) at the end of his current term: Sam Graves has been one of the most effective voices in Congress for aviation and specifically general aviation for the past 50 years. As an experienced pilot himself, he understands the view from the cockpit and the perspective of aviation’s total importance in the national transportation infrastructure.
His accomplishments include leadership in developing and passing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, developing the BasicMed program, increased Airport Improvement Program funding, and most recently the vital support of the MOSAIC rule to make general aviation more attainable and affordable. His effective leadership on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has brought bipartisan agreement to many areas of aviation progress, ranging from ATC modernization and funding, to the Pilot’s Bill of Rights, to flight training advancements.
“The EAA community is grateful for Chairman Graves’ tireless efforts on behalf of all aspects of general aviation, and working with members of both parties in the House and with Senate leadership to pass important legislation,” said Jack J. Pelton, EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board. “We wish him a fulfilling retirement and look forward to seeing him often at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in his favorite role, that of enthusiastic aviator.”
Graves was first elected to represent Missouri’s 6th congressional district in 2000. He has been the top Republican on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since 2019 and its chairman under the current Republican majority.