Sen. Bennet Announces Committee Assignments for 111th Congress

Lands Key Post on Senate Agriculture Committee

Washington, D.C. - Today, United States Senator Michael Bennet announced his Committee assignments for the 111th Congress. Senator Bennet will serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. He will also serve on the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

"These committee assignments give me the opportunity to make a difference for Colorado families in rural and urban communities across the state. We have our work cut out for us - from revitalizing rural America to shoring up our economy and keeping Americans safe. Working together, we can get the job done."

Senator Bennet made a specific request of Senate leadership to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee, a committee that will allow him a hand in shaping U.S. agricultural policy and ensuring proper implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill. The Committee also has jurisdiction over all matters related to forestry and logging, as well as policies related to nutrition and health.

"There are a lot of people in Colorado whose living, and whose family's living, depends on a productive agricultural sector," said Senator Bennet. "In Ken Salazar, rural communities had a strong federal partner that fought tirelessly on their behalf. As a member of this committee, I will build on Ken's efforts and do all I can to preserve our state's rich agricultural tradition for generations of Coloradans to come."

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is responsible for exercising oversight of banks, banking and financial institutions. The Committee also has jurisdiction over federal monetary policy, including the Federal Reserve System, in addition to federal housing and mass transit programs.

"Congress can and must play a role in our nation's effort to put Americans back to work and get the economy moving again," said Senator Bennet. "The Banking Committee is at forefront of that effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to craft a strong and effective policy framework for creating jobs, unfreezing our credit markets, and righting our nation's economic ship."

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government affairs is the chief oversight committee for the United States Senate. The Committee also has primary jurisdiction over the activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"The federal government has a responsibility to keep the American people safe; and as a member of this Committee, I will make sure this responsibility is met," said Senator Bennet. "I also look forward to ensuring the many agencies of the federal government are working effectively and efficiently, and in a way that meets the highest standards of transparency and accountability."