Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Al Green (TX-9) was named to the House Financial Services Committee. After the official swearing-in ceremony that took place Tuesday, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee moved quickly with member committee assignments. “This committee will help address a multitude of challenges facing the 9th District.” Green continued, “It will allow me to continue to fight against discriminatory practices that have plagued urban communities for decades.”

At a time when Houston’s facing an affordable housing shortage and with a growing number of families finding the cost of housing out of reach, Green’s new committee assignment is crucial. This assignment gives him a platform to influence issues that are important to the community at large while impacting national priorities.

The Financial Services Committee has jurisdiction over the entire financial services industry, including the securities, insurance, banking, and housing industries. The Committee also oversees the work of the Federal Reserve, the Treasury, the SEC, and other financial services regulators. Green hopes to work with these institutions to encourage creative investment and funding opportunities for struggling communities throughout the 9th District and the Houston area.

“I plan to work closely with the banking industry to bring more of its institutions to underserved areas. I want to form a better union between borrowers and lenders. I believe a need exists and find it critical that my constituents benefit from those services offered by banks - from financial planning to investments,” said Green.

Following yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony, Congressman Green was joined by Secretary of Education Rod Paige, numerous constituents and prominent Houston area businessmen and community leaders. “It is a privilege and an honor to represent the people of the 9th District. This is the zenith of more than one year of hard work and I have been blessed that I may be a blessing,” said Green.