First Asian-American to lead DOT was put in internment camp during World War II.

Long-serving House member led the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2001 to 2007.

IIJA includes about $66 billion in passenger rail appropriations, about equal to Amtrak's past 50-year total.

Update: Two veteran lawmakers vie to succeed DeFazio as top T&I panel Democrat.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee includes the funds in its part of $3.5T reconciliation package.

It's unclear how the new package might mesh with the Biden-Senate bipartisan group framework.

Meanwhile, Biden is "encouraged" by bipartisan Senate group's broader infrastructure proposal.

Bill would provide $343 billion for highways, bridges and highway safety.

The legislation, which Republicans sharply criticized, is slated for a June 9 committee vote.