Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Congress

Figures to serve on key House committees, Rep. Sewell makes history

Alabama’s congressional delegation grabbed key committee assignments on Tuesday.

Congressional candidate Shomari Figures speaks at the Democratic National Convention.

The all-important committee assignments for the 119th Congress were handed out on Tuesday, and freshman Alabama Rep. Shomari Figures snagged two that are pretty important to the state. 

In a phone call with APR, Figures said he had been assigned to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee. 

“Those were two that were very important to me, important to the 2nd Congressional District,” Figures said. In a statement issued later by Figures’ office, he said the committee assignments allow him to “have a direct role in delivering crucial resources” to the district. 

The Agriculture Committee assignment could prove to be a particularly important role. Congress, which is nearly evenly split along party lines, will be tasked this year with re-authorizing the always-controversial and dense Farm Bill. 

Figures called it a “crucial” appointment. 

He is the only Alabama congressperson to be assigned to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Figures said he plans to make the Gulf Coast Amtrak service, between Mobile and New Orleans, a top priority. 

Meanwhile, fellow Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell will maintain a seat on the Ways and Means Committee and will be the first Black female to hold a leadership position in a Ways and Means subcommittee. Sewell will be the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight. 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“I am honored to have been selected by my Democratic colleagues to lead our work on the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee,” Sewell said in a statement last week. “As Congress prepares to consider new changes to our tax code, I look forward to fighting alongside my colleagues to protect programs like Social Security and Medicare and ensure that our tax system benefits all Americans, not just billionaires and big corporations. As Ranking Member, I am prepared to work with my Republican colleagues where possible and hold the incoming administration accountable when necessary.”

Sewell will also serve on Ways and Means Subcommittee for Trade and Social Security. 

Joining Figures on the Agriculture Committee is 1st Congressional District Rep. Barry Moore. Moore will also serve on the House Judiciary Committee. 

Rep. Mike Rogers will maintain his chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee, while Rep. Robert Aderholt is expected to remain on the House Appropriations Committee and remain chairman of a subcommittee. Rep. Gary Palmer will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Government Reform Committee. Rep. Dale Strong will also serve on the Appropriations Committee. 

 

Josh Moon is an investigative reporter and columnist. You can reach him at [email protected].

Advertisement
Advertisement

More from APR

Congress

Sewell celebrated Huntsville's selection as Space Command headquarters, advocating for the Rocket City's central role in advancing U.S. space dominance.

Featured Opinion

The Framers warned against unchecked power. Today Congress cowers, Alabama suffers and liberty erodes as executive authority grows unchecked.

Congress

During Cost of Living Week of Action, Sewell highlighted the impact of higher food costs, healthcare and housing on Alabama families.

Congress

Sewell will continue her Congress in Your Community Tour, hosting a live Telephone Town Hall to discuss tariffs, education, and healthcare cuts.