SENATOR SHAHEEN NAMED TO SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was selected today by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, restoring New Hampshire’s voice to the powerful committee that determines where the federal government spends taxpayers’ money. Former Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) served on the Appropriations Committee from 1995 through 2010.

“I’m honored to be chosen to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. It’s important to have a New Hampshire seat at the table to make sure spending decisions are made wisely and in the interests of Granite State taxpayers,” said Shaheen.  “Our constituents expect us to use taxpayer money in an efficient and effective way to make sure that they are getting a fair shake. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to make sure that we are meeting that goal.”

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for allocating annual and emergency discretionary funding for all federal programs, domestic and defense.

Because it is one of the most influential committees, members serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee often must give up other committee assignments. Shaheen will be leaving the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, but will remain on two other powerful “Super A” committees, the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Shaheen will also retain her seat on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

The full Senate must approve Shaheen’s appointment, which is expected to happen as part of a routine resolution when the 113^th Congress convenes in early January.

Shaheen, the only woman in American history to be elected both a Governor and a U.S. Senator, will be only the eighth senator from New Hampshire to serve on the Appropriations Committee.