Lamar Alexander Named Ranking Republican Member on Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee

Oversees Funding of Oak Ridge, Y-12, Tennessee Locks and Dams “After we reduce spending, we still must set priorities that make it easier and cheaper to create private-sector jobs.” – Lamar Alexander MARYVILLE – U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) announced today that he has been chosen to serve during the 112th Congress as the highest-ranking Republican, known as the “Ranking Member,” on the Senate Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, which has jurisdiction over funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Energy – including scientific and nuclear weapons national laboratories.

“After we reduce spending, we still must set priorities that make it easier and cheaper to create private-sector jobs. This position will allow me to make sure that priorities like research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, nuclear weapons modernization at Y-12, dredging at the Memphis Port, and construction at Chickamauga Lock and the Wolf Creek and Center Hill Dams get the attention they deserve.”

Last year, the Energy and Water Subcommittee held a hearing at Alexander’s request to examine the response of federal agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, and helped spur improvements in flood-prediction systems and flood response. Alexander led the questioning of the agencies as a member of the subcommittee.

Alexander also will serve as a member of five other Appropriations subcommittees during the 112th Congress: Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies; Defense; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

In addition to the Appropriations Committee, Alexander will serve on three other Senate committees during the 112th Congress: the Committee on Rules and Administration; the Committee on Environment and Public Works; and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He was elected to serve as “Ranking Member” on the Committee on Rules and Administration earlier this week, which you can read more about here.

Alexander also was reelected unanimously to serve as Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the third-ranking member of the Senate GOP leadership, during the 112th Congress. # # #

February 4 2011

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander Washington Office. 455 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4944 Fax: (202) 228-3398 TTY: (202) 224-1546