As a freshman Senator, Martinez was given key committee assignments and will serve on the Foreign Relations, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources Committees and the Special Committee on Aging. These committee assignments will allow Martinez to play an integral role in issues facing Florida today.

FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Reared under the tyranny and dictatorship of Castro’s Cuba as a child, Senator Martinez has a firsthand understanding of our American principles -- freedom, democracy and human rights. Through his role on the Foreign Relations committee, Martinez will offer a unique perspective helping to shape foreign policy and further America’s values and ideals around the world while ensuring the safety of all Americans at home.
 
BANKING, HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Senator Martinez also knows the toll that natural disasters can take on our families and our communities. Serving on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will allow him to draw on his experience as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to ensure that Florida’s families and communities can recover as quickly as possible after the historic 2004 hurricane season. From ensuring proper housing policies are in place for hurricane victims to cracking down on insurance fraud, it is critical that Florida’s interests are represented on the Banking Committee.

ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

As our nation’s energy needs continue to grow, natural resources must be examined as alternative forms of energy in order to conserve and meet energy needs. However, the state of Florida must protect its pristine beaches and stand firm that no offshore drilling occurs off Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. Senator Martinez will participate as an active member of member of the Energy Committee ensuring that Florida’s tourism economy and the beauty of its beaches are preserved.

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING

The Special Committee on Aging is a great vantage-point in the United States Senate to affect policies important to Florida’s seniors. While serving as Orange County Chairman, Martinez established a local Commission on Aging in order to research and investigate issues surrounding seniors. Similar to the local commission, the Aging Committee is a key voice in the United States Senate for issues ensuring our seniors live longer, healthier and more productive lives and directly influences legislation in other committees that affects seniors. From Medicare to Social Security reform to age-discrimination, serving on the Aging Committee will allow Martinez to expand his reach and better meet the needs of Florida’s seniors and our nation’s seniors alike.