Congresswoman Kay Granger of Fort Worth will play a key role in the nation’s foreign policy decisions over the next two years after she was selected this week to serve as the Ranking Member of the Appropriations subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations for the 111^th Congress.

“I am honored to have the support and trust of my colleagues,” Granger said. “My experience as a longtime member of the Appropriations Committee, a member of the leadership team and now as a Ranking Member provides a unique and rewarding record of service to the 12^th District and the Congress.”

As the highest-ranking Republican member on the subcommittee, Granger will be a leading voice in decisions that affect both the defense industry at home and the United States’ interests in the world. The subcommittee’s actions help define America’s image abroad and set the U.S. agenda for a wide range of international efforts including providing humanitarian aid, fostering global development, controlling the spread of illegal narcotics and assisting our allies in the fight against terrorism.

Granger’s foreign policy role will also affect North Texas’ robust defense industry, as the State-Foreign Operations subcommittee vets and approves foreign military financing and foreign military sales. The defense industry is a critical partner of the United States government as it implements foreign policy through military sales and relationships.

"Congresswoman Granger is a strong leader in Washington and we are gratified to learn of her expanded responsibilities as the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations,” Ralph D. Health, President, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics said. “Congresswoman Granger brings tremendous expertise and experience to an important role in this increasingly challenging international security environment.  The people of the 12th district of Texas should continue to be proud of her achievements supporting both the district and our nation’s priorities.”

“Congresswoman Kay Granger has always been an outstanding public servant and we in the greater Fort Worth area have always appreciated her appropriate support for our industry,” Dick Millman, Bell Helicopter President and CEO said.  “I am pleased to see that her expertise and experience recognized by her selection to this key position.”

Granger, in her seventh term as a Member of Congress, has served on the Appropriations Committee since 1999. During her tenure on the committee, she has served on a variety of subcommittees including Energy & Water, Defense, Homeland Security, and Military Construction/Veterans Affairs.

Granger, who has long been known as a leading defense expert, adds a foreign policy portfolio that will benefit the Fort Worth-area 12^th District, a community with deep ties to the defense of the United States and its allies.

“This new experience will allow me to provide a broader perspective and influence on how we interact with our allies and adversaries around the world,” Granger said. “The United States is currently engaged in two major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are phasing out our military presence in Iraq.  The way we conduct our foreign policy is more important now than ever before. I understand firsthand how a decision made in Congress can alter the actions made by others around the world.”

The Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations has jurisdiction over the Departments of State, Defense and Treasury as well as agencies such as the U.S. Peace Corps and the Trade and Development Agency.

“Kay’s tireless and principled work on the Appropriations Committee, her service on the Subcommittee on Defense, and her long-time interest in international and counter-terrorism issues make her a great fit as the new senior Republican on the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee,” Congressman Jerry Lewis (CA-41) said. “I have had the honor of serving with Kay for many years, and her dedication, excellent reputation and record, and her level-headed decision making ability has placed her in a class with few rivals. I look forward to working with her throughout this next Congress as we strive to address the many serious international challenges facing our nation.”

Additionally, the Sister Cities program is funded through the State-Foreign Operations subcommittee. Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between the United States and international communities.  As a participant in the program, Fort Worth has established relationships with communities such as Budapest, Hungary. Last June, Fort Worth was recognized by Sister Cities for the Best Overall Program. 

Reps. Kay Granger and Jo Ann Emerson, Financial Services subcommittee, (MO-08) are the first Republican women to hold the position of Ranking Member on the House Appropriations committee.