(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced that he has joined the House Committee on the Budget. At the beginning of the 111th Congress, Langevin rejoined the House Armed Services Committee and plans to retain his position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He took a leave of absence from the House Homeland Security Committee.

“The 111th Congress and the Obama Administration have inherited an estimated $1.2 trillion deficit as a result of the misguided policies and priorities of the Bush Administration,” said Langevin. “By joining the Budget Committee, I am in a unique position to address some of the most pressing issues facing our nation, including the current state of the economy, the soaring federal deficit, as well as the need to create jobs and fix the breakdown in critical government services and infrastructure over the past several years.”

In addition to working to get the economy back on track, Langevin will also participate in hearings that will focus health care reform.

“Tackling our nation’s health care crisis has always been a top priority of mine,” continued Langevin. “I believe providing quality, affordable health care coverage to our nation’s uninsured will be a key long-term component to restoring our country’s fiscal health.”

Langevin was also recently named to the following three Armed Services Subcommittees: Seapower and Expeditionary Forces; Strategic Forces; and Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.

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