Representative Ortega Named to Transportation & Higher Education Committees for the 87th Legislature

AUSTIN, February 4th, 2021– House Speaker Dade Phelan released his committee appointments for the 87th Legislative Session. Representative Lina Ortega was appointed to two committees: Transportation and Higher Education.

“The El Paso region's recovery from COVID-19 depends on the opportunities that our State's higher education system brings, as well as addressing our tremendous transportation needs. I look forward to supporting the continued strength of higher education in Texas, and improving mobility in El Paso and throughout the State.” Rep. Ortega said.

The Transportation Committee will cover commercial motor vehicles, the Texas highway system, railroads, airports, water transportation, rivers and harbors, the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Texas Transportation Commission. The Higher Education Committee has jurisdiction over education beyond high school, colleges and universities throughout the state, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and several other related state agencies.

Committees will begin meeting regularly in the coming weeks. The committee process is the first opportunity for bills to be vetted during the legislative process. A bill must be voted favorably out of committee in order for it to be debated on the House floor.