Vela to Lead Democrats on Border and Maritime Security Policy Panel

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) was named Ranking Member of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security. As the top Democrat on the panel, he will help set the tone and agenda of the Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over border and maritime issues as they relate to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"In this new leadership position, I will have additional opportunities to advocate for South Texas and the entire border region. I will continue my efforts to address violence in Mexico and to ensure that our land and water ports of entry have the infrastructure, staffing and resources they need to ensure the safe and efficient flow of legal goods and travelers," U.S. Rep. Vela said. "As the 114th Congress convenes, border policy and homeland security remain critical national issues, and I look forward to having an expanded role as important decisions are made in Washington."

U.S. Rep. Vela's Republican counterpart on the Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee is U.S. Representative Candice Miller. Chairman Miller represents the 10th Congressional District of Michigan, which is located on the United States northern border with Canada. The Subcommittee membership will include a total of seven Republicans and five Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Vela will also serve on the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence and will continue as a member of the Committee on Agriculture.

Source