ATSSA Town Hall covers anticipated impacts of 2020 election

Listen now to a recording of Tuesday's Town Hall

UPDATE: A recording of the ATSSA Town Hall is now available.

ATSSA Vice President of Government Relations Nate Smith noted that congressional races didn’t go as expected in this month’s election, with Republicans picking up seats while the Democrats could lose up to a dozen when final results are tabulated.

The current count is 219 seats for the Democrats, 207 for Republicans and nine yet to be called.

Smith also predicted Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti will be the next Transportation Secretary if Vice President Joe Biden wins when results of the presidential race are final. Smith laid out six contenders for the cabinet position.

In a nearly 1-hour Town Hall this afternoon, Smith said congressional races will result in a significant change in the makeup of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee due to seven to 10 losses or retirements. But he noted that’s not bad for ATSSA’s membership because of the committee’s role in infrastructure, which produces jobs and saves lives, two benefits for committee members to tout.

Smith said it could be January or February before it’s clear who will serve on the committee. Whoever it is, it will be important for ATSSA members in those congressional districts to approach their representatives early.

“It makes a difference in winning your argument,” Smith said.