Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) was named to the exclusive House Committee on Financial Services as well as the Committee on Homeland Security. Green was also appointed to the position of Regional Whip for Region 6 (Texas).

"I am proud that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and my colleagues in the House have once again selected me to serve on the exclusive Financial Services Committee," said Rep. Green. "I look forward to working with Chairman Barney Frank to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable housing and fair lending. We have a unique opportunity to make sure that the American Dream can become a reality for every American."

The House Committee on Financial Services has broad jurisdiction over all components of the nation’s housing and financial services sectors, including banking, insurance, real estate, public and assisted housing, and securities. The Committee continually reviews the laws and programs relating to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Reserve Bank, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and international development and finance agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The Committee also ensures enforcement of housing and consumer protection laws, such as the U.S. Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), and the Community  Reinvestment Act (CRA), as well as financial privacy laws.

Congressman Green also received a waiver this week to serve on the Committee on Homeland Security. He elected to serve on the Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over border security, port security, trafficking and smuggling. As a second subcommittee, he selected the Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science and Technology Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, cybersecurity, and other emerging threats.

"It is a privilege to have received a waiver to serve on the prestigious Homeland Security Committee," Rep. Green stated. "Under the leadership of Chairman Bennie Thompson, the Committee’s mission will be to make America safer by strengthening the state of our homeland security. Homeland security is very important to Houston and to my constituents in Texas’ 9th Congressional District. I am confident that serving on the Homeland Security Committee would allow me to directly address border and port security issues and more effectively represent my constituents in the post-9/11 era."

Congressman Green was also selected by the Texas Democratic Delegation and appointed by House Majority Whip James Clyburn (SC-06) as a Regional Whip for Region 6. As a Regional Whip for Texas, Green will be primarily responsible for getting an accurate read on a Members’ positions on issues and votes important to the Democratic leadership.

"I am honored to have been chosen by our Majority Whip James Clyburn to serve on his Whip team," said Rep. Green. "I will work hard to mobilize my fellow Texas Democrats and garner support for the Democratic agenda."