WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding Democratic Steering Committee approval of committee assignments for Democratic senators in the 113^th Congress. The proposed committee assignments must still be approved by the full Democratic caucus as well as by the full Senate when the 113^th Congress convenes in January.

The Democratic Steering Committee has selected Cantwell to serve as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, of which she has been a member since her first year in the U.S. Senate in 2001. The Committee also approved Cantwell’s continued membership on each of her other committees:

• Commerce, Science and Transportation (member since 2003)
• Energy and Natural Resources (member since 2001)
• Finance (member since 2006)
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship (member since 2001)

“I look forward to continuing to fight to support Washington state job growth and economic opportunity, through my service on the Commerce, Energy, Finance, Indian Affairs, and Small Business Committees,” Cantwell said. “I am honored to be selected to chair the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, following the tremendous leadership of Senator Akaka. I am proud of my work with Washington state Tribes, on issues such as self-determination, education, health care and environmental issues including salmon restoration.  I would be proud to serve as the first female chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.”

Subcommittee assignments have not yet been announced. Cantwell currently serves as Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security.

###