March 13, 2009

Begich Receives Commerce Subcommittee Assignments

From Senator Mark Begich press release:

Alaska's interests will be well represented in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee as Senator Mark Begich's has received assignments which will allow him to work directly on numerous vital Alaskan issues. These assignments include the Subcommittee on Aviation; Subcommittee on Communications; Subcommittee on Competiveness, Innovation, and U.S. Export Promotion; Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, and Coast Guard; and the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.

"As a member of the Commerce Committee I already have pressed Alaska's interests in many issues, including fisheries, permafrost, and climate change," Begich said. "Receiving these assignments will allow me to conduct important policy work on issues that impact Alaska."

"I am especially proud of my assignment to the Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard. Alaska provides Alaska provides over 60% of our nation's wild catch seafood and I look forward to working on establishing a proper balance between subsistence resources, conservation, and economic vitality."

The Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee has oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet has oversight of the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This includes efforts to develop broadband infrastructure, which are ongoing in Alaska's rural communities.

The Competiveness, Innovation, and U.S. Export Promotion Subcommittee has oversight of the Department of Commerce. Areas of policy expertise involve tourism, foreign commerce, manufacturing, competitiveness, and trade.

The Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee conducts oversight of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Coast Guard, and Federal Agencies with roles in climate/earth science policy. NOAA's programs alone operate in 27 communities statewide.

The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security has jurisdiction over transportation infrastructure development and research. This includes legislation and agencies that deal with rail and maritime transportation. Agencies that this subcommittee conducts oversight on include AMTRAK, the Surface Transportation Board, and the Federal Maritime Commission.