Washington, D.C. --- Today, Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice) was named to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health subcommittee.  The subcommittee will play a crucial role in helping develop universal healthcare legislation.  The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over public health, health care financing, hospital construction, mental health and research, Medicaid, and food and drugs.

“Ensuring access to quality and affordable healthcare for every American is absolutely paramount, and I am honored to work toward this goal through the subcommittee,” said Harman. “As a daughter and sister of medical doctors, and former board member of the Venice Family Clinic, universal access to healthcare has always been a personal priority.”

Added Harman:  “I also want to make certain LA County hospitals have adequate level 1 trauma center capacity in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster.”

Harman retained her seat on the Energy and Environment subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over all national energy policy, including renewable energy sources, nuclear regulation, and the Clean Air Act.  In the 110th Congress, Harman authored landmark lighting efficiency provisions included in the Energy Act of 2007 to phase-out the wasteful 100-watt incandescent bulb by 2012, and require all light bulbs to be at least three times more efficient than today's by 2020.