SE Kentucky News

U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole announced the Republican subcommittees for the 119th Congress on Wednesday. Congressman Hal Rogers, representing Kentucky's 5th district and known as the Dean of the House, will continue to chair the subcommittee responsible for funding Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS). In addition to this role, Rogers has been added to the Transportation subcommittee and remains a senior member of the Defense subcommittee.

Chairman Rogers stated, "The CJS subcommittee not only funds the agencies in our purview, but we ensure they are held accountable for efficiency, effectiveness and rooting out waste." He emphasized that their work is crucial for maintaining economic and military strength. He also expressed appreciation for Chairman Cole's leadership.

Chairman Cole remarked on the importance of leadership in achieving prosperity. "As we stand at the edge of historic opportunity in the 119th Congress," he said, "we have assembled a distinguished roster committed to delivering on the strong mandate of the American people." He highlighted each member's contribution to fiscal responsibility and effective governance.

The CJS subcommittee allocates funding to various agencies including NASA, Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), National Weather Service among others. Chairman Rogers outlined priorities such as equipping the Drug Enforcement Agency against cartels and fentanyl distribution, enhancing weather alerts through collaboration with commerce offices following natural disasters, prioritizing NASA's space exploration efforts with commercial aerospace partnerships, supporting rural growth via EDA investments, and ensuring DOJ accountability.

Rogers has previously led the full Appropriations Committee from 2011 through 2016 and served on ten different subcommittees during his tenure. His leadership roles include serving as chair or ranking member across six subcommittees.

For further details about Congressman Rogers' activities both in Washington D.C. and Kentucky visit halrogers.house.gov or follow him on social media platforms.