Wicker appointed to committee overseeing flood insurance

Wicker appointed to committee overseeing flood insurance

From the Office of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Republican whip team, Thursday was selected to serve on four committees for the 112th Congress. His assignments are the Armed Services Committee, the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

“The Banking Committee has jurisdiction over flood insurance, a critical concern for families and businesses along the Gulf Coast,” Wicker said. “This new assignment will enhance my ability to work on behalf of residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast who are affected by this complicated issue.”

In addition to flood insurance, the Senate Banking Committee has jurisdiction over the two massive federal housing entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The programs have required more than $150 billion in taxpayer-funded bailouts since 2008, bailouts that Wicker voted against.

Wicker continued, “Reforming Fannie and Freddie should be a top priority of Congress, and I look forward to reducing the size and scope of these costly government programs as a member of the Banking Committee. As we begin to address the major issues, tough decisions are necessary to cut federal spending and put the country on a sound fiscal footing.”

Wicker will continue to be a member of the Armed Services Committee. He has worked to provide our troops with the resources they need to succeed under very difficult circumstance.

Wicker said, “Gaining seniority on the Armed Services Committee allows me to advocate for a strong military, which is able to meet the challenges before us. Carrying on Mississippi’s long and important history of military support is crucial for the country.”

In addition, Wicker continues as the only Senator from Mississippi to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee. An Air Force veteran himself, Wicker has championed programs to ensure the VA is meeting the health care needs of our veterans, including new veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a Deputy Whip, Wicker will work alongside Republican Whip Jon Kyl to recommend conservative agenda items and build support for the legislative plan.

1/27/10