Oklahoma's newest congressman gets committee assignment

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma's newest congressman has been assigned to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. <br><br>U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., said Thursday he would

Friday, April 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Oklahoma's newest congressman has been assigned to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

U.S. Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., said Thursday he would use his seat on the panel to help the 1st District and Oklahoma win their share of federally funded projects.

``After they do (current transportation law) reauthorization, there should be a lot of money available for the committee members to use in their districts,'' Sullivan told the Tulsa World's Washington bureau. ``Tulsa and the 1st District area need transportation infrastructure desperately.''

Oklahoma is a donor state, which means it generates more revenue in federal road taxes than it gets back. Members of the state's congressional delegation have complained about the state's status, and Sullivan hopes the committee will address the issue this year.

The committee also deals with aviation and pipeline safety, which may help the district's aerospace and petroleum-related industries. Rep. Brad Carson, D-Okla., also has a seat on the panel.

House leaders also are considering giving Sullivan a seat on the Judiciary Committee, which is usually populated with attorneys.

``I think it is good to have a balance,'' said Sullivan.

He said issues that come through the committee range from homeland security to child custody.

``I think it would be very interesting,'' he said.

During his campaign, Sullivan made immigration reform a top issue, and that may be addressed by the Judiciary Committee, he said.

``I certainly want to be involved in that,'' Sullivan said.

Sullivan, a former state representative, won the race to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Steve Largent, R-Okla., who plans to run for governor.