Committees
During the 116th Congress, I am proud to serve on the three important committees and six subcommittees .
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
The House Committee on the Judiciary has been called the lawyer for the House of Representatives because of its jurisdiction over matters relating to the administration of justice in federal courts, administrative bodies, and law enforcement agencies. Its infrequent, but important role in impeachment proceedings has also brought it much attention. In a time of great change and scientific progress an expanding list of issues, including intellectual property, cloning, and the internet, require committee members to possess a wide breadth of knowledge in order to effectively address concerns from these and other new areas. Any legislation that carries a possibility for criminal or civil penalties can be referred to the committee, so its legislative workload is substantial.
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security
The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security has jurisdiction over the Federal Criminal Code, drug enforcement, sentencing, parole and pardons, internal and homeland security, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, prisons and criminal law enforcement.
Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law
The Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law has jurisdiction over bankruptcy judgeships, administrative law, independent counsel, state taxation affecting interstate commerce, interstate compacts, and antitrust matters.
Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship
The Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship has jurisdiction over immigration and naturalization, border security, admission of refugees, treaties, conventions and international agreements, claims against the United States, federal charters of incorporation, private immigration and claims bills, and non-border enforcement.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND REFORM
The Committee on Oversight and Reform is a crucial committee for maintaining the public’s trust in our government. The committee was on the front lines in uncovering and investigating public corruption scandals, such as Fast and Furious, and the IRS targeting individuals over their political ideologies. The committee also investigates wasteful spending by federal agencies to ensure that American tax dollars are being spent prudently.
Subcommittee on Government Operations
The Subcommittee on Government Operations has legislative and oversight jurisdiction over the federal civil service, whistleblower protections, the U.S. Postal Service, government management and accounting measures, the economy, efficiency and management of government operations and activities, government reorganization, intergovernmental affairs, including with state and local governments, federal information technology security, acquisition policy, and management, and federal property.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs is the authorizing committee for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The committee is responsible for recommending legislation expanding, curtailing, or fine-tuning existing laws relating to veterans' benefits. The committee also has oversight responsibility which includes monitoring and evaluating the day-to-day operations of the VA. If the committee finds that the VA is not administering laws as Congress intended, then it is addressed through the hearings and legislation. The Veterans’ Affairs Committee is the voice of Congress for veterans in dealings with the VA.
Subcomittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
The Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over compensation and general and special pensions of all the wars of the United States.
Subcommittee on Health
The Subcommittee on Health has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over the Veterans Health Administration including medical services, medical support and compliance, medical facilities, medical and prosthetic research, and major and minor construction.