Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District was named today to two subcommittees on the Energy and Commerce Committee.  During the 113th Congress, Luján will serve on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

“I am excited to get to work on these important subcommittees that will enable me to be a strong advocate for the needs of my district and New Mexico,” Congressman Luján said.  “The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee’s broad jurisdiction will provide me with an opportunity to play a role in every aspect of the committee’s work, especially when it comes to the oversight of the Department of Energy and the national laboratories.  As a member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I look forward to working on efforts to expand broadband access in rural communities and see that new opportunities are created across New Mexico through increased access to the latest technological advances.”

The Communications and Technology Subcommittee has jurisdiction over electronic communications, both interstate and foreign, including voice, video, audio, and data, whether transmitted by wire or wirelessly, and whether transmitted by telecommunications, commercial or private mobile service, broadcast, cable, satellite, microwave, or other mode.  Its jurisdiction also includes emergency and public safety communications; cybersecurity, privacy, and data security; and overseeing the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Office of Emergency Communications in the Department of Homeland Security.

The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee has responsibility for oversight of agencies, departments, and programs related to the jurisdiction of the full committee including the Departments of Health and Human Services, Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  The Subcommittee also conducts investigations of these federal agencies.

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