Congressman Rick Crawford Named Vice Chairman of Economic Development

Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) today was appointed to three key Congressional subcommittees with broad oversight of national transportation and infrastructure issues, and was named Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL) also appointed Crawford to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

“I could not be happier with my subcommittee assignments and I’m honored Chairman Mica put his trust in me to vice chair the Economic Development Subcommittee,” said Congressman Rick Crawford.  “All my assignments are incredibly important to Arkansas and will be a great resource for the First District.  I am looking forward to working with the entire Committee to bring fiscally sound legislation to the floor.” 

“We must do more with less and eliminate wasteful spending when it comes to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure and putting people back to work,” said Chairman Mica.  “Congressman Crawford’s experience and dedication to serving our country will make him a valuable addition to these subcommittees.  I look forward to his contributions to the work of producing fiscally responsible legislation to improve our infrastructure.”

The Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management authorizes the nation’s emergency preparedness policy and programs and conducts oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The Subcommittee oversees agencies and programs promoting economic development in communities suffering economic distress, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission.  The Subcommittee also exercises oversight of federal real estate programs and management.  As Vice Chairman, Crawford will play a particularly active role in the Subcommittee’s work, and be called upon to fulfill the chairman’s duties as necessary.

The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit has jurisdiction of issues related to the construction of roads, bridges and transit facilities, highway safety, and the development of national surface transportation policy.  The subcommittee is responsible for writing the next major authorization of surface transportation infrastructure and highway safety programs.  The previous law expired in 2009.

The Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has jurisdiction over clean water infrastructure; water resources developmentfor navigation, flood protection, and ecosystem restoration; water pollution control; and hazardous waste cleanup.  The Subcommittee also conducts oversight of the federal regulation of clean water.  Agencies that fall within the Subcommittee’s jurisdiction include the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

For more information please visit http://transportation.house.gov or http://crawford.house.gov.

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