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Sen. Katie Britt named ranking member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee

This is the first time that a freshman senator will be chair or ranking member of this subcommittee.

Senator-elect Katie Britt during an interview. Katie Britt/Twitter
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Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, on Wednesday confirmed she will serve as the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

This will be the first time in American history that a freshman senator will be chair or ranking member of this subcommittee.

Senator Britt has also been appointed to serve on the Appropriations subcommittees for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; and Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

All five subcommittees on which Britt will serve have a strong nexus to the state of Alabama.

“I am excited to serve on these important subcommittees, which will strongly position me to fight for Alabama’s people, values, and interests through the Appropriations process,” said Senator Britt. “From NASA to NOAA, the Army Corps of Engineers to CMS, FEMA to the Coast Guard, CBP to the U.S. Forest Service, and much more, these subcommittees cover a wide range of unique jurisdictions that impact every corner of our state. These assignments will give me a powerful oversight platform over federal spending to ensure bureaucrats are accountable to the public and taxpayer funds are not wasted. I look forward to championing priorities that help strengthen Alabama families and communities and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”

Regarding the Homeland Security Subcommittee ranking membership, Senator Britt released a video message that can be accessed here.

“Homeland Security’s jurisdiction covers a wide range of federal agencies, departments, and programs, all with an eye towards keeping American families safe and communities strong,” Senator Britt added. “This includes the federal entities responsible for border security, which is going to be a top focus for me throughout the Appropriations process. There is no doubt that we have an unprecedented humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border. We must invest strategically and intentionally in solutions to secure our border and end this crisis. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we undertake this critical task. Together, we can – and we must – take real action to defend our homeland, protect our children, strengthen their future, and preserve the American Dream for generations to come.”

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Appropriations subcommittee assignments were announced Wednesday morning by Senators Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the committee.

“There are so many critical challenges our country faces right now, and we are glad to have this capable and committed group of Senators to lead our subcommittees this Congress and work to solve problems in people’s lives through our appropriations bills,” said Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins.

Britt is also a member of the Committees on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Rules and Administration.

The Alabama Political Reporter is a daily political news site devoted to Alabama politics. We provide accurate, reliable coverage of policy, elections and government.

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