Committee Assignments

CURRENT COMMITTEES

House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
Congressman Ben Chandler serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Established at the height of the Cold War in 1977, it is the committee tasked with overseeing the entire U.S. intelligence community. The Committee is considered one of the most important of the House committees, as it handles a large amount of highly sensitive information.

In a press release, Chandler said of his appointment to the committee: “I’m honored and humbled to be part of the Intelligence Committee. This committee is charged with the difficult task of keeping Americans safe from threats to our national security.  We have a long, hard road ahead in our fight against terrorism, and ensuring a solid intelligence infrastructure is crucial to that fight.”


Committee on Foreign Affairs
Congressman Chandler has returned to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, which can trace its roots back to 1775 during the Continental Congress. Over the years, the committee has accumulated a rich history of notable members to include Presidents, statesmen and ambassadors. The committee has the great responsibility for oversight on our nation’s security and international affairs. Congressman Chandler is honored to serve on this committee where he continues to work to keep Americans safe and push for Central Kentucky’s interests at home and abroad.
 

PAST COMMITTEES

House Committee on Appropriations
Congressman Ben Chandler served on the House Committee on Appropriations in the 109th 110th and 111th Congresses.  This exclusive committee has the unique responsibility of initiating legislation that funds all of the federal government’s discretionary spending.  The Constitution of the United States says, “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of Appropriations made by law.”
 
Chandler is the first member from Central Kentucky to hold a seat on this committee since 1891. Previously only two other individuals from Central Kentucky have served on the Appropriations Committee: Joseph C.S. Blackburn from 1879-1883 and William C.P. Breckinridge from 1889-1891. 
 
House Committee on Science and Technology
Congressman Ben Chandler previously served on the Committee on Science and Technology. Established in the wake of the Russian launch of Sputnik in 1957, the committee was originally focused on space exploration.  In the decades since 1957, the committee’s jurisdiction has grown to include all non-defense federal scientific research and development.
 
Congressman Chandler understands that research and technology is a key component to the future of Kentucky’s economy.  Additionally, Chandler knows that scientific advancement will play an incredibly important role in sustaining the competitiveness of the United States in the global market.

House Committee on Agriculture
Congressman Ben Chandler served on the House Committee on Agriculture from 2004 to 2006. Originally established in 1820, the Committee on Agriculture is tasked with overseeing a wide variety of issues related to farming and agriculture, ranging from research into agricultural chemicals to inspecting meat and food products. Originally consisting of seven members, the panel has grown to include 45 members as of the close of the 111th Congress.

Congressman Chandler understands that Central Kentucky farmers and agriculture help form the backbone of our economy and food supply. During his time on the committee, Congressman Chandler supported measures to help Kentucky’s farmers and preserve Central Kentucky land.

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct