Rep. Tim Walz has been named vice chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, which is part of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. The full committee, of course, is chaired by another Minnesotan, Rep. James Oberstar.

Said Oberstar of the appointment: “[Walz] is respected as a hard worker who is focused on real solutions, I am happy to see him gaining prominence and respect in our committee and in the House.”

The railroad assignment will be of much interest to Walz's constituents, with proposals for a high-speed train to run somewhere through the southeastern Minnesota district, and controversy over a proposed railroad bypass south of Rochester.

Walz also serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Agriculture Committee and the Congressional Executive Commission on China.