Stabenow Appointed Chair Of Agriculture Subcommittee On Renewable Energy, Agricultural Research

Press Release

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) today announced her appointment as Chair of the Senate Agriculture's Subcommittee on Energy, Science, and Technology. As Chair, Stabenow will work to ensure that agriculture and forestry play prominent roles in energy and climate policy that invests in new, clean technologies such as biofuels to create well-paying jobs. In addition to the Senate Agriculture Committee, Stabenow serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and the Senate Budget Committee, all of which have jurisdiction over a wide range of issues important to Michigan. She also speaks as Michigan's voice in Senate leadership as the Chair of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

"We stand at a critical time when the right policies and investments can create jobs, stabilize our energy costs, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. My new responsibility as Chair of the Energy, Science, and Technology Subcommittee will allow me to advocate even more strongly for Michigan's two largest industries- manufacturing and agriculture - when crafting and developing national energy policy," Stabenow said. "During the coming debate on climate and energy policy, I will continue to fight to make sure Michigan maintains and expands on our leadership in this 21st century clean energy economy, so we can create good jobs and rebuild the middle-class in Michigan."

Senator Stabenow's Committee Assignments for the 111th Congress:

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has jurisdiction over agriculture programs, nutrition programs, and rural development. Last year, the committee completed work on a new farm bill, which was critical to Michigan famers, families and economy. More information can be found at www.agriculture.senate.gov.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources oversees legislation regarding renewable energy resources such as biofuels, wind, solar, and geothermal energy and it is responsible for the continued development of the Green Collar Jobs agenda. The committee also has jurisdiction over policies influencing our national parks and recreation areas as well as our forests, public lands, and wilderness areas. More information can be found at www.energy.senate.gov.

Senate Committee on Finance is one of the most influential committees in the U.S. Senate and has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues important to Michigan. All legislation regarding trade policy, pensions, health care, tax policy, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is referred to the Finance Committee. More information can be found at www.finance.senate.gov.

Senate Committee on the Budget is responsible for drafting Congress' annual budget plan and monitoring action on the budget for the Federal Government. In addition, the Budget Committee has jurisdiction over the operation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). More information can be found at www.budget.senate.gov.

Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is responsible for fostering dialogue between the Senate Majority and national leaders on vital issues. In 2007, Senator Stabenow was named Chair of this Committee, where she served as the chief liaison between the Democratic caucus and organizations nationwide. After being reelected as Chair this year, Senator Stabenow will continue her work in the Senate Democratic leadership, shaping and advancing the Senate's agenda. More information can be found at www.democrats.senate.gov/steering.

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