Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) today (January 23, 2013) announced his subcommittee assignments for the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources for the 113th Congress.

“I’m excited to have been selected to serve on these subcommittees,” Mullin said. “The assignments cover a broad range of issues so I will have the opportunity to contribute to the work being done in these areas”

Congressman Mullin’s subcommittee assignments are:

Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittees
•   Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment

The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over water issues ranging from development, conservation and management, pollution control and water infrastructure.  Agencies administering these programs include the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

•   Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over many Department of Transportation (DOT) programs and is responsible for the development of national road transportation policy, construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities, implementation of safety and research programs as well as regulation of commercial motor vehicle operations.

•   Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

The Subcommittee oversees federal response to natural disasters and has oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security’s other disaster management responsibilities.

Natural Resources Subcommittees
•   Subcommittee on Indian and Alaskan Native Affairs

The Subcommittee oversees all matters regarding Native Americans, including the 566 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, and nearly 1.9 million American Indians.

•   Subcommittee on Water and Power

The Subcommittee is responsible for issues related to America’s water resources, federal irrigation projects, generating electric power from federal water projects and interstate water issues.

“The Subcommittee on Highways and Transit assignment is critical to Oklahoma and this district,” Mullin continued.  “We are a major artery for transportation yet Oklahoma remains a donor state, meaning we contribute more to the Federal Highway Trust Fund that we get back to spend on transportation projects.”

“I’m also pleased to be on two subcommittees that deal with water. Water is one of our most vital natural resources in the 2nd District and I am committed to protecting that asset,” said Mullin.

“As one of only two Native Americans serving in Congress, I’m thrilled to be on the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaskan Affairs,” Mullin added.  “Oklahoma’s 2nd District is blessed to be home to many tribes and I’m looking forward to working with them on issues important to the district. Not only will these subcommittee assignments will be a huge asset to Eastern Oklahoma, it will be helpful for the entire state.”

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, testifying Wednesday in a politically charged Senate hearing was at times emotional and defensive on the administration’s response the deadly assault on a diplomatic post in Benghazi Libya.

Clinton challenged Republican lawmakers to focus on meaningful ways to make diplomats safe instead of engaging in partisan attacks.

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In a critical election during a time of war and near-war in much of the Middle East, The Jerusalem Post is reporting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday afternoon that elections show the country wants him to continue to lead, but repeated his pledge to build the widest coalition possible.

Netanyahu told reporters that the coalition he will put together will deal with greater equality in carrying the military burden, institute cheaper housing and government reform.

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