Committees and Caucuses

COMMITTEES

I am a member of the Appropriations Committee, which handles all federal discretionary spending.  I serve on the following three Appropriations subcommittees:

State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, Chairwoman
The State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee plays a critical role in our national security.  From supporting our ally Israel to supporting our embassy security to stopping the spread of global terrorism, I oversee many of the key programs that invest in the protection of our homeland. As the Chairwoman, my oversight role also helps ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely on proven programs while cutting programs that have not been effective.

Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Vice Chair
The Defense Subcommittee ensures the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force has the resources they need to provide for our service members and to ensure our defense supremacy in the world.  With the Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin, Bell and many other important defense companies based in the 12th District, our community makes enormous contributions to America’s security at home and abroad. In addition, as a member of the subcommittee, I am pursuing an in-depth examination of the military’s sexual assault scandals.  Our men and women in uniform deserve our highest honor and respect.  It is unacceptable for them to face assault from within their own ranks. I am also proud to be the first woman to ever be named to the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Member
With Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), American Airlines, and Tower 55 all based in the 12th Congressional district, I secured a position on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.  In this role, I provide support for critical transportation and housing investments.  I am dedicated to ensuring the district’s infrastructure needs are met. I have fought to improve Interstate 35W, State Highway 121 and Loop 820, enhance rail capabilities and throughways, and support DFW Airport and the surrounding municipal airports.

CAUCUSES

Caucuses are small groups within Congress that provide a forum for specific issues or legislative agendas.  For example, I launched the bipartisan, Joint Strike Fighter Caucus in 2011 in order to provide Members of Congress accurate and timely information on the development, testing and deployment of our next-generation fighter, the F-35. (Learn more about the Joint Strike Fighter Caucus here)

Here is a complete list of caucuses I have joined:

Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, Co-Chair

Congressional Caucus on Community Health Centers, Co-Chair

Disaster Relief Caucus, Co-Chair

Working Group for a Working Congress, Co-Chair

House Human Trafficking Caucus, Co-Chair

Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, Vice Chair

Americans Abroad Caucus, Member

Arts Caucus, Member

Coalition for Autism Research and Education, Member

Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Member

Congressional Children’s Health Care Caucus, Member

Congressional Coalition on Adoption, Member

Congressional Diabetes Caucus, Member

Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Member

Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition, Member

Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, Member

Congressional Internet Caucus, Member

Congressional Navy and Marine Corps Caucus, Member

Congressional Women’s Caucus, Member

House Army Caucus, Member

Prevention Caucus, Member

Republican Study Committee, Member

Republican Women’s Policy Committee, Member

Texas Caucus on Shale Oil and Gas, Member

USO Congressional Caucus, Member