(Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano was pleased to announce her committee assignments for the 113th Congress.

Napolitano was appointed to the Natural Resources Committee, which covers energy production, mineral lands and mining, fisheries and wildlife, water management, public lands, oceans, and Native American issues. Napolitano is the highest ranking female and Hispanic member of the full Committee. She is also the most senior California member of the Committee. For the second consecutive term, Napolitano was also selected to be Ranking Member (top Democrat) on the Subcommittee on Water and Power, which she chaired in the 110th and 111th Congresses. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over water resources, irrigation projects, hydroelectric power, and interstate water issues.

Napolitano was also appointed to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which covers surface transportation, freight and passenger rail, aviation, inland waterways, international maritime commerce, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water projects, and the federal clean water program. She is the most senior California Democratic member as well as the most senior Hispanic member of the Committee. Napolitano retains all of the subcommittee assignments she has held for the past six years: Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment. Napolitano is the only member of Congress who serves on the two subcommittees that oversee all the water programs of the federal government.

“I am determined to increase federal commitments to develop new water supplies through water recycling, conservation, and sustainability efforts,” Napolitano said. “Working to ensure a quicker, safer, and cheaper daily commute for our 32nd District residents is critical. I also look forward to supporting increased rail safety through the installation of the positive train control system and strengthening Army Corps and EPA water projects.”

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