Washington, D.C. -  Congressman David Price (NC-04) was officially approved today as Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee by the House Democratic Caucus.

The ten-term Democrat from Chapel Hill will now assume a leading role in formulating the budget for the Department of Homeland Security, and in providing oversight over the Department’s use of taxpayer dollars.

“I am honored to accept this assignment on behalf of my constituents,” Price said. “Our subcommittee, which was formed in response to the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, is charged with the solemn duty to fund and oversee our government’s efforts to protect the American people from the threats with which we are faced. I assume this role fully aware of the unrelenting intent of our enemies to inflict catastrophic damage on our civilian population. I am also acutely aware of the many hazards we confront from natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

“Given the challenges our modern world poses, I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress, Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and the President to most effectively and judiciously ensure that the American people can live free from the fear of terrorism and disasters of any nature – a goal we all share.”

The primary task of Price’s Subcommittee is writing the annual funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security was created when 22 separate government agencies were joined under the same umbrella by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. A list of the Department’s subcomponents and agencies can be found at the following website: http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/index.shtm.

Price takes over the gavel from Rep. Harold Rogers (KY-5) after the House of Representatives switched from Republican to Democratic leadership following the fall elections. The retirement of the Subcommittee’s Ranking Democrat, Rep. Martin Olav Sabo (MN-5), paved the way for Price, previously the number two Democrat, to ascend to the chairmanship.

Other Democratic Members of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee include Reps. José E. Serrano (NY-16), Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (MI-13), Ciro Rodriguez (TX-23), Nita M. Lowey (NY-18), Chet Edwards (TX-17), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), Sam Farr (CA-17), Chaka Fattah (PA-2), and David Obey (WI-7-ex-officio).

Additional Appropriations Roles for Price:

Price also secured assignments on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies and on the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, and Related Agencies.