Dateline: January 18, 2007

Rep. Thornberry receives committee assignments

Washington D.C. – Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) has received his committee assignments in the U.S. House of Representatives for the 110th Congress.

The assignments announced by House Minority Leader John Boehner return Congressman Thornberry to two Committees important to the region and the country – the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. 

Thornberry has also been named the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats, and Capabilities. Designation as Ranking Member means Thornberry is the top Republican on the Subcommittee. Thornberry said he is looking forward to working with Subcommittee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Washington) in shaping the subcommittee’s agenda.

“Defending our country is the federal government’s most important responsibility. These committee assignments give me the opportunity to continue working to make our national security as strong as possible,” said Thornberry.

Thornberry noted that the 13th District and surrounding areas play a significant role in national security through the work done at key facilities and installations, such as Sheppard Air Force Base, Dyess Air Force Base, Pantex, and Bell Helicopter/Textron.

Committee Responsibilities:

House Armed Services Committee: The Armed Services Committee authorizes funds for and oversees the Department of Defense (including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines), military applications of nuclear energy and non-proliferation, tactical military intelligence, and scientific research and development in support of the military.

House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Terrorism and Unconventional Threats: The Subcommittee’s responsibilities include authorizing funding for and oversight of Department of Defense counter terrorism and counter proliferation programs, cutting edge research programs, Special Operations Forces, information technology programs,  force protection policy, and related intelligence support and equipment.

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: The Intelligence Committee authorizes spending for and oversight of the Intelligence Community and its various components including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other intelligence-related activities of the Departments of Defense, State, Justice, Energy, and Treasury.