Etheridge Uses Committee Assignments to Work for North Carolinians

WASHINGTON - Today U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) announced two important committee assignments that he will use to work for the people of the 2nd Congressional District. Etheridge has been named the leading Democrat on the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee of the Agriculture Committee. Etheridge has also earned a coveted spot on the newly permanent Homeland Security Committee.

"I look forward to using my seats on the Agriculture and Homeland Security committees to work for the people of the 2nd District," Etheridge said. "As a leader on the Agriculture Committee, I can better advocate for our farm families and rural communities. This is an exciting opportunity to influence policy at a higher level and impact my constituent's daily lives. I also look forward to continuing my work on the new Homeland Security Committee to keep our communities safe. I will keep fighting for the resources to help our first responders get the job done."

Etheridge will serve as the Ranking Member on the General Farm Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee of the Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over the programs and markets related to cotton, wheat, soybeans and other general farm commodities. The subcommittee is also responsible for the Commodity Credit Corporation, crop insurance and commodity exchanges. Etheridge is also a member of the Conservation, Credit, Rural Development, and Research Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over rural development, agricultural research and education, pesticides and soil, water and resource conservation.

The Homeland Security Committee will be a permanent standing committee for the first time in the 109th Congress. Previously, the committee was a temporary select committee, which has limited jurisdiction. On the committee, Etheridge will serve on the Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over assistance to first responders, first responder training, assistance to state and local governments, interoperable communications and national response plans. Etheridge is also a member of the Intelligence, Information Sharing and Terrorism Risk Assessment subcommittee.