LaTourette chosen for new posts

Thursday, January 27, 2011

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) today announced that he has been named to new posts on the Appropriations Committee and at the Smithsonian Institution.

LaTourette has been named Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. He will serve as chair of that panel when Chairman Tom Latham (R-IA) is absent, and will assist the chairman with official Committee duties.

LaTourette has also been chosen by Speaker John Boehner to serve on the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. The panel includes the Chief Justice of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, three members from both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, and nine citizens. Boehner also appointed Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX). The third House member will be appointed by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

The Board of Regents meets at least four times yearly and one of its duties is to review and approve current and future strategic plans for the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. LaTourette said he is honored to be chosen for service on these panels.

"I look forward to assisting Chairman Latham with appropriations matters, especially those affecting transportation and infrastructure and their proven worth as jobs generators," LaTourette said. "It's a tremendous privilege to be chosen to serve on the Board of Regents at the Smithsonian Institution, one our nation's greatest cultural treasures."

House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers chose LaTourette and 11 other members to serve as Vice Chairs of the 12 appropriations subcommittees. LaTourette is the only Ohioan chosen as a Vice Chair.

"These Members are an excellent group of talented, dedicated individuals that are more than ready for the difficult work of cutting spending and crafting frugal and responsible federal budgets. As Vice-Chairs, they will be an essential part of a successful Appropriations process," Rogers said.

Here is the list of other subcommittee Vice Chairs: