Congressman Andrews to Retain His Seat as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions

Rep Andrews also reappointed to the House Armed Services and Budget Committees

Earlier this week, members of the influential House Education and Labor Committee voted for Congressman Robert Andrews (D-NJ) to retain his seat as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions. In his second term as Chairman, Rep. Andrews will have jurisdiction over pivotal issues relating to the current economic crisis. Specifically, Congressman Andrews plans to continue to lead efforts toward expanding and protecting retirement benefits. Additionally, Rep. Andrews is eager to work with the new Administration toward a system of universal health care as an effort to make health benefits more affordable and accessible to all.

Also within the Education and Labor Committee, Rep. Andrews was selected to serve as a member of the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, which focuses on all aspects of preparing Americans for the workforce, not only through higher education but through technical training, apprenticeships, and work incentive programs. As our country faces its highest unemployment rate in 16 years, Rep. Andrews will continue his work in this subcommittee to see that all Americans are ready to face the challenges of the tight job market and that Congress is doing everything it can to assist those looking for work. 

Congressman Andrews will also continue to serve on the important House Armed Services Committee, which is committed to provide for those who serve our country and their families. The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for allocating the funding and oversight needed to win the Global War on Terrorism. Within this Committee, Rep. Andrews will remain a member of the Terrorism and Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over matters concerning the Department of Defense counter proliferation and terrorism programs, Special Operations Forces, and intelligence support. Additionally, Congressman Andrews was assigned to the Strategic Forces Subcommittee that is responsible for oversight of the Department of Energy’s national security programs as well as various defense programs.

Finally, Rep. Andrews will remain a member of the House Budget Committee in the 111th Congress. Within this Committee, Rep. Andrews will have oversight over the federal budget process, monitoring all bills and resolutions on the federal budget. A prime function of the Budget Committee is drafting of the annual budget resolution. 

While our country faces increasing economic challenges and national security concerns, Congressman Andrews will continue to work within his Committees to take a proactive approach toward securing jobs and economic stability, while keeping Americans safe and free from terror.

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