VAI Congratulates Sam Graves on Retirement from US Congress, House T&I Committee Longtime chairman helped shape aviation policy, including the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Vertical Aviation International (VAI) congratulates Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.-06) on his upcoming retirement from the US House of Representatives and his post as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The association thanks Graves for his decades of service to the nation and leadership in the general aviation community. Throughout his tenure, Graves has been a consistent, informed advocate for aviation policy, safety, and infrastructure. As a senior leader on the committee, he helped shape major legislative efforts that strengthened the National Airspace System and supported the long-term safety of the industry, including his role in advancing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. “Chairman Graves has been a principled and effective leader whose work will leave a lasting impact on aviation,” says François Lassale, VAI president and CEO. “He understands the safety concerns and operational realities of our members and ensured their voices were reflected in policy decisions. “As a pilot, Chairman Graves brought practical experience to his work in Congress. He earned the respect of industry stakeholders, regulators, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle,” adds Lassale. “His efforts to support general aviation, rotorcraft operations, and rural connectivity have left a durable legacy. We wish him the very best in his retirement, and we look forward to building on the foundation he helped establish.”
