Washington, DC – Today the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held its Organizational Meeting, in which Members approved subcommittee chairmen, ranking members, subcommittee assignments, and Committee Rules. The Committee also approved its Oversight Plan, as required by House Rules.
“Today, many Americans worry that our future will not be as bright as our past,” said Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX). “Given that our nation is mired in debt, and that entrepreneurs are overburdened with Federal regulations and taxes, I share many of their concerns. But I am also convinced that we can turn things around and reinvigorate our economy.”
Hall continued, “Smart investments in research and development, coupled with proper business and tax incentives, can spur innovation and allow American businesses to flourish. Americans have always had the opportunity to turn a good idea into a successful business, and because of this, the U.S. has led the world in innovation. Responsible science and technology policy can help America maintain this leadership. But we must recognize that increases in Federal spending are not the same as prudent investment, and do not necessarily lead to innovation. Therefore, we must be diligent in eliminating wasteful, duplicative, and ineffective programs and prioritize our spending in areas of basic research that fuel innovation and not interfere with the marketplace. I look forward to working with all of you this Congress to find solutions that move America forward.”
The Committee will pursue aggressive oversight of many issues in the 112th Congress. The Oversight Plan, approved today, focuses on themes such as: Space Shuttle transition; International Space Station (ISS) utilization and operation; Nuclear R&D; Science and R&D at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Federal climate research activities; Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology; Cybersecurity; and Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) K-12 oversight.
Below are the official subcommittee assignments:
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland, Chairman
Republican Members (10) Democratic Members (7)
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Rep. Brad Miller, North Carolina
Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland Rep. Lynn C. Woolsey, California
Rep. Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma Rep. Ben R. Lujan, New Mexico
Rep. Judy Biggert, Illinois Rep. Paul Tonko, New York
Rep. W. Todd Akin, Missouri Rep. Zoe Lofgren, California
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, Texas Rep. Jerry McNerney, California
Rep. Paul Broun, Georgia Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas (ex officio)
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee
Rep. Ralph M. Hall, Texas (ex officio)
INVESTIGATIONS & OVERSIGHT
Rep. Paul Broun, Georgia, Chairman
Republican Members (8) Democratic members (5)
Rep. James F. Sensenbrenner, Wisconsin Rep. Donna F. Edwards, Maryland
Rep. Sandy Adams, Florida Rep. Zoe Lofgren, California
Rep. Randy Hultgren, Illinois Rep. Brad Miller, North Carolina
Rep. Larry Bucshon, Indiana Rep. Jerry McNerney, California
Rep. Dan Benishek, Michigan Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas (ex officio)
VACANCY
Rep. Ralph M. Hall (ex officio)
RESEARCH & SCIENCE EDUCATION
Rep. Mo Brooks, Alabama, Chairman
Republican Members (9) Democratic Members (6)
Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Illinois
Rep. Benjamin Quayle, Arizona Rep. Hansen Clarke, Michigan
Rep. Steven Palazzo, Mississippi Rep. Paul Tonko, New York
Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland Rep. John Sarbanes, Maryland
Rep. Randy Hultgren, Illinois Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama
Rep. Larry Bucshon, Indiana Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas (ex officio)
Rep. Dan Benishek, Michigan
Rep. Ralph M. Hall (ex officio)
SPACE & AERONAUTICS
Rep. Steven Palazzo, Mississippi, Chairman
Republican Members (11) Democratic Members (8)
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Wisconsin Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona
Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas Rep. Marcia Fudge, Ohio
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Rep. Jerry F. Costello, Illinois
Rep. Frank D. Lucas, Oklahoma Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama
Rep. W. Todd Akin, Missouri Rep. David Wu, Oregon
Rep. Michael T. McCaul, Texas Rep. Donna F. Edwards, Maryland
Rep. Sandy Adams, Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson, Florida
Rep. Scott Rigell, Virginia Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas (ex officio)
Rep. Mo Brooks, Alabama
Rep. Ralph M. Hall, Texas (ex officio)
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
Rep. Benjamin Quayle, Arizona, Chairman
Republican Members (10) Democratic Members (7)
Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas Rep. David Wu, Oregon
Rep. Judy Biggert, Illinois Rep. John Sarbanes, Maryland
Rep. Randy Neugebauer, Texas Rep. Frederica Wilson, Florida
Rep. Michael T. McCaul, Texas Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Illinois
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, Tennessee Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona
Rep. Scott Rigell, Virginia Rep. Ben R. Lujan, New Mexico
Rep. Randy Hultgren, Illinois Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas (ex officio)
Rep. Chip Craavack, Minnesota
Rep. Ralph M. Hall, Texas (ex officio)
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112-010