Chairman Rogers Announces New Subcommittee Chairmanships
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced four changes in the Chairmanships of Appropriations subcommittees for the 113th Congress.
The changes were needed due to the passing of Rep. C.W. Bill Young, who was Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and the retirement of Rep. Rodney Alexander, who was Chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Being an Appropriations Cardinal is an incredibly important job with great responsibility. Year after year, these Subcommittee Chairs are called on to do the tough work of funding the federal government, rooting out waste, making hard decisions on where and how to best use taxpayer dollars, and being responsible and pragmatic leaders who get the job done. I have full confidence that these new Chairmen will meet these challenges – and more – as we face the difficult fiscal landscape ahead,” Chairman Rogers said.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), formerly Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, will take the helm of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“Rodney is a thoughtful, steady, and strong leader, is staunchly dedicated to doing what is best for the country and his district, and has a determined focus that allows him to rise above politics to get things done. He has an unwavering devotion to the safety and security of our nation, and to the care and protection of our men and women in uniform, and I know he will be a great leader of the Defense subcommittee,” Chairman Rogers said.
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), formerly Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, will now head the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
“There are very few who know more about the nation’s energy and water needs than Mike Simpson. His leadership, experience, drive, and professional focus make him an excellent fit to chair this subcommittee. I know that he is committed to making the most out of every precious taxpayer dollar, to ensuring that our nation continues to strive toward energy independence, and to fostering an environment that allows our businesses to create jobs and grow the economy,” Chairman Rogers said. “I am looking forward to working with him in his new role.”
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) will move up the ranks and assume a Chairmanship for the first time as the leader of the Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment.
“Leading the subcommittee in charge of funding everything from our National Parks to the Environmental Protection Agency is an extremely difficult job. Ken is not only up to the task, but will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be an excellent asset to the Committee and to the country as we tackle many fiscal challenges in the future. Ken has proven to be an exceptional leader in eliminating waste and inefficiency in government, has fought for programs and policies that benefit not only the people of his district but all Americans, and has the focus and determination needed to ensure that this important budgetary work gets done,” Chairman Rogers said.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) will also become a new Subcommittee Chairman, leading the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch.
“The Legislative Branch Subcommittee takes on the important work of providing funding for the operations, safety, and upkeep of the Nation’s Capitol. It is sometimes a thankless job, but this subcommittee is vital to the functioning of our democracy, and Tom Cole will be a tremendous asset as its new leader. He is dedicated to the careful and responsible use of tax dollars – especially in Congress’s backyard – and he understands the importance of ensuring an open, accessible, and safe environment for the thousands of Members, staffers, and visitors who come to the Capitol every day,” Chairman Rogers said.
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