Lance Reappointed Vice Chair of Energy and Commerce Subcommittee

Other assignments include major health care, telecommunications portfolio

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today announced he has been reappointed Vice Chair of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 114th Congress.  He will also return to the Health Subcommittee and the Communications and Technology Subcommittee —assignments of great importance to New Jersey life sciences and telecommunication industries. 

“The Energy and Commerce Committee has been the most productive committee in Congress, passing more bills into law than any other committee in either the U.S. House or Senate,”  said Lance.  "I look forward to continuing to be at the center of congressional efforts to create jobs, strengthen our manufacturing sector, spur economic growth and enact health care reforms that are affordable for all Americans."

The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the House of Representatives and is widely considered the most important due to its vast jurisdiction over the Nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy and interstate and foreign commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (MI-06) praised Lance as a workhorse.  “Leonard Lance is a valued member of the Energy and Commerce team, and as Vice Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee he will once again play a significant role in the committee’s efforts to support job creation and economic growth." 

Lance’s three subcommittee assignments will once again give the 7th District lawmaker a platform in which to advocate for many New Jersey interests.  The 7th Congressional District includes nearly 600 manufacturing facilities that employ 40,000 employees.  New Jersey is also the epicenter of the Nation’s life science sector with many issues coming before the influential Health Subcommittee, where Lance will remain the conduit between patient advocates and the rare disease community and companies working on new treatments and cures.  Major legislation is also expected in the new session that will update the Nation’s telecommunications infrastructure to create jobs,  harness the digital economy and keep the Internet free. 

“My committee assignment will allow me to continue to champion patient centered health care, 21st century medical innovation and jobs bills that boost American-made energy and renew American manufacturing.  I am honored by this appointment.  Our work for the Nation will continue at an accelerated pace in the new session of Congress,” added Lance.