Smith announces subcommittee assignments

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a member of the Science and Technology Committee, today announced he has been appointed Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation. Smith will serve as the top Republican on the subcommittee, which oversees the National Institute of Standards and Technology, research at the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

"I'm excited to work with my colleagues on the Science and Technology Committee as we deal with the issues confronting our nation, and also as we look to the future and encourage innovation. This new position will afford me the ability to help shape legislation as it moves through the committee process," Smith said.

"I am very pleased to appoint Rep. Adrian Smith to be Ranking Member on the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee," said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). "Investments in innovation and high tech industries are going to play an important role in keeping America competitive and boosting the economy. Under Rep. Smith's leadership, I know this Subcommittee will make sure that our Federal investments are spent wisely."

Smith will continue to serve on the Committee on Natural Resources, and will serve on the Subcommittee on Water and Power -- which has jurisdiction over federal policies for water and power resources management, including irrigation, water recycling and hydropower.

Smith will also continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee, serving on the Subcommittees on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry and Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research.

The Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry has jurisdiction over issues regarding livestock, dairy, poultry, meat, seafood and seafood products, inspection, marketing and promotion of such commodities, and grazing.

The Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research has jurisdiction over soil, water, and resource conservation, small watershed programs, energy and biobased energy production, rural electrification, agricultural credit, and agricultural research.

"My assignments provide me with a unique opportunity to take action on tremendously important issues for America's rural communities, the agriculture industry, and our nation's energy portfolio," Smith said.