January 30, 2003
For Immediate Release

Congressman Kirk Named To Key House Appropriation Subcommittees: Foreign Operations, Commerce/Justice/State and Legislative Branch

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) was appointed yesterday to three key subcommittees of the House Appropriations Committee. These assignments will enable the congressman to focus on critical foreign and domestic issues facing northern Illinois and the nation.

“Membership on the Foreign Operations subcommittee will allow me to work toward boosting programs that increase U.S. exports,” said Congressman Kirk. “Representing a district where thousands of families are dependent on exports for their livelihood, this assignment offers a unique opportunity to expand U.S. share of export markets which directly benefits our community. This subcommittee is also the critical decision making body, setting assistance levels for key U.S. allies, such as Israel, that are important to our national security.”

The subcommittee on Foreign Operations and Export Financing oversees agencies including: Antiterrorism Assistance, Migration and Refugee Assistance, Peacekeeping Operations, Export-Import Bank, World Bank, Peace Corps, Trade and Development Program among others.

“My appointment to the Commerce, Justice and State subcommittee allows me to fight for Illinois worker re-training programs, unemployment assistance and other key economic programs run by the Commerce Department,” said Kirk. “Oversight at the Justice Department means advocating for stronger federal law enforcement against terrorists abroad and drug dealers here at home. Because much of my constituent work is focused on immigration, supervision over the State Department will allow for input and advocacy over a very import federal agency critical to many in my district.”

The subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State and the Judiciary oversees: Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, Department of State, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission among others.

“Holding the line on federal spending is critical to eliminating the budget deficit,” said Congressman Kirk. “As a member of the Legislative Branch subcommittee, we will set an example for the rest of government by keeping the House in order and the budget under control.”

The subcommittee on the Legislative Branch oversees among others: Congressional Budget Office, General Accounting Office, Library of Congress, and Congressional Research Service.

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