"I am honored by the confidence that my colleagues have shown in me and I look forward to working on behalf of our nation as we shape and determine the appropriations for the "people's house", the Legislative Branch of the government," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz will serve as one of only twelve Cardinals on the House Committee on Appropriations.  The Committee is comprised of 37 Democrats and 29 Republicans.  Members who have been recommended to chair a subcommittee are referred to as "Cardinals."

As a member of the Financials Services Subcommittee, Rep. Wasserman Schultz will also help to determine the budgets of The Executive Office of the President, the Treasury Department, the Postal Service, the SEC, the FCC, the FDIC, the FEC, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, to name a few.

"Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has already proven herself to be a leader in the Democratic Caucus, highly-respected by all our colleagues for her keen intellect and political savvy," said incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  "She will continue to serve the best interests of her constituents through the powerful House Appropriations Committee."

The U.S. Constitution provides the basis for the Appropriations Committee in Article one, Section nine, Clause seven which states that: No money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law.

The recommendations for Cardinals of the House Committee on Appropriations must be ratified by the House Steering and Policy Committee.

# # #