[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   JAMES L. OBERSTAR MEMORIAL HIGHWAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2014

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, Jim Oberstar was a true gentleman of the 
House who ably represented Minnesota's 8th District for 36 years. He 
was a fixture of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Jim 
started as staff in the 1960s, became a Member in the 1970s, then 
served as Chairman of the Committee from 2007 to 2011. I was blessed to 
work, and sometimes ride, alongside Jim for many years. Given his many 
years of work to improve transportation in Minnesota and across the 
country, it is fitting that a portion of Interstate Highway 35 be 
renamed in his honor.
   As a tireless advocate on transportation issues, Jim earned well-
deserved admiration in many circles, including in my home state of 
Oregon. He accompanied me on tours to advocate for increased 
infrastructure investment. Jim truly understood the importance of 
investment as a way to create American jobs, improve safety, and build 
roads, bridges and transit systems to accommodate a 21st Century 
economy. His passion and leadership are evident in projects across the 
country.
   Jim was also an avid cyclist, and I am grateful I had the 
opportunity to show him my state in 2007 during the Cycle Oregon event. 
He was one tough athlete, easily outpacing cyclists half his age. Jim 
was a champion of the road in more ways than one.
   Like many people in Washington, DC, Minnesota and beyond, I feel 
fortunate to consider Jim not only a colleague, but a friend and a 
mentor. I only wish he had lived long enough to share all of his 
knowledge with the rest of us.

                          ____________________