On October 16, 2020, Jim Burnley was quoted in Politico Pro on the potential impact of an Oregon congressional race on a future infrastructure bill.
According to the article, Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), infrastructure maven and the fourth most senior Democrat in the House, is facing a formidable challenge this year from GOP opponent Alek Skarlatos in a purple district that came just a fraction of a percentage point away from backing President Trump in 2016.
As chair of the Transportation Committee, DeFazio has been increasingly aggressive in recent weeks as he’s sought to deliver relief to out-of-work airline employees amid the pandemic and months of stalled negotiations over a coronavirus relief measure.
Burnley said DeFazio himself has described the challenge as “very, very serious” and is working hard to keep the seat. If he does, Burnley said, it would be a boost for any potential infrastructure bill. “If the Democrats retain the House, he's the sort of leader that you would want to see,” Burnley said.