WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) was today confirmed for a new post as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Appropriations.  Emerson will serve as the top-ranking Republican on the subcommittee, which has funding and oversight responsibilities of the U.S. Treasury, the judiciary, the District of Columbia, White House offices, the Security and Ex change Commission (SEC) and 21 other federal independent agencies.

“I’m very excited about the role I will play on the Appropriations Committee in the 111th Congress as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Financial Services,” Emerson said.  “We have a great responsibility to the American people to assure that their tax dollars are spent wisely and well.  The Financial Services subcommittee conducts a great deal of oversight to make sure the administration is accountable to the American people.  During tough economic times and with the recent expansion of the U.S. Treasury’s authority, the obligation of the Financial Services subcommittee has never been more important.”

In 2008, the subcommittee conducted inquiries of the Department of the Treasury, the FCC, the Small Business Administration, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, among other agencies.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA), Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, said, “With her Congressional and Appropriations experience, her dedication to the protection of taxpayer dollars, and her level-headed common sense, I can think of no better Member than Congresswoman Emerson to be the senior Republican on the Financial Services Subcommittee. This Congress is facing serious and complicated budget issues that will have repercussions on our nation’s fiscal health for years to come. These trying times require strong and dedicated oversight and scrutiny of our federal agencies – especially those that regulate or influence our financial system – and Rep. Emerson is simply the right woman for the job.”