Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX-12) was selected to serve as the Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations for the 112th Congress. In addition, Granger will continue to serve as a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. With the two subcommittee assignments, Granger will oversee nearly $750 billion with the combined defense and foreign operations budgets.
“I am honored to have been selected as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations,” Granger said. “My subcommittee assignments provide an extraordinary opportunity for me to help lead our nation’s defense and foreign policy at a historic time while meeting the needs of my constituents in the 12th Congressional District. North Texas depends on global relationships and the way Congress manages our role in the international community has great implications for families and businesses right here at home.”
The State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee has the responsibility of overseeing and allocating all foreign aid spending including support for our ongoing efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. Because the subcommittee funds the Department of State and USAID, in the 112th Congress Granger will be tasked with overseeing many of the programs that will help determine the long-term outcome for the most volatile regions of the world where the United States has security interests. Granger’s oversight role will help ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely on programs that will help bring stability to the region including continued support for our ally Israel.
The State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee provides funding for programs that are critical to the 12th District and the State of Texas, including providing training and equipment to help combat the escalating violence along the U.S. - Mexico border. The Subcommittee also provides funding for F-16s, produced by Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth.
All programs under the subcommittee’s jurisdiction will be under heavy scrutiny, and projects that are not achieving intended results will be subject to cancellation. Granger has pledged to be a partner in the new majority and will help ensure taxpayers are getting a better return on their investment while addressing the national debt.
Granger will also continue to serve on the Defense Subcommittee. The subcommittee oversees all spending for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and oversees all defense procurement. She was the first woman to ever be named to the subcommittee in the House, and this will be her third session of Congress serving on the panel.
“My role on State and Foreign Operations will enhance my role on the Defense Subcommittee, which provides funding for our service members and military equipment and technology that is produced by people who live right here in the District, such as the Joint Strike Fighter and the V-22. I am excited to serve in both capacities. Together, these two subcommittees are responsible for funding and the oversight of nearly all programs critical to our National Security. There are enormous fiscal challenges that we must confront and I pledge to be partner in making our national security not only leaner, but smarter.”
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