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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