CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Northwest Indiana’s new Congressman-elect is making moves to preserve the influence the state has had on Capitol Hill.
Democrat Frank Mrvàn of Highland was elected to the seat being vacated by retiring Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky. It’s rare that freshman Congress members are appointed to the House Appropriations Committee, but he’s asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow him to assume Visclosky’s seat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee come January. He said that would help him continue his fellow Democrat’s work.
"That further the mission, very simply put, making sure that we are investing in our working men and women," he said. "When we prioritize our tax dollars, such as an infrastructure build, but more importantly making sure we are investing our tax dollars in the country, making sure we are getting men and women back to work.
"It could help our region when we are investing in airports, when we are investing in roads - not only in northwest Indiana, but working closely with the coalition of Illinois members of Congress, as a regional approach."
Mrvàn said his 15 years as a North Township, resolving problems for residents, prepares him for the committee role.
He said the most impressive thing about "Approp", as it’s sometimes known, is the bi-partisan, collaborative atmosphere - one needed right now.