With the Republican victories last month, several prominent backers of general aviation have moved on. The highest-profile loss for aviation as a whole was Rep. James Oberstar (D-Wis.), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The 36-year legislator is considered by many to be the most knowledgeable lawmaker in Congress on aviation issues. He began advocating satellite navigation many years ago and was always steadfast in opposing user fees for general aviation. The National Air Transportation Association said it will miss the support of Oberstar and Reps. Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich.), who is retiring; Allen Boyd (D-Fla.); Mark Schauer (D-Mich.); and John Boccieri (D-Ohio), “all of whom have been ardent supporters of the general aviation industry and fought for issues important to NATA members.”