House T&I Chairman Sam Graves Announces Retirement After 26 Years

Key Details Rep. Sam Graves, the Missouri Republican who has chaired the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since 2023, announced he will not seek re-election. The announcement ends his 26-year congressional career that began in 2001, making him one of the chamber's most experienced voices on infrastructure policy. Why It Matters Graves' departure removes a key leader from the committee responsible for aviation, highways, rail and water infrastructure policy. His bipartisan approach earned praise from Democratic Ranking Member Rick Larsen, who credited Graves' steady leadership for passing major legislation on FAA programs, water infrastructure and surface transportation during a period of deep partisan divisions. What's Next The T&I Committee plans to advance a multiyear highway bill as early as April. Graves previously indicated the Republican-led panel is developing a traditional highway package worth approximately $550 billion that would prioritize highways, roads and bridges while streamlining federal environmental permitting and restructuring highway funding mechanisms. Graves' steady hand during his tenure helped navigate complex infrastructure debates at a time when Congress has struggled with partisan gridlock on many policy fronts.