Shaheen Named as Chair of Subcommittee on European Affairs

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced today that she has been named Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on European Affairs for the 111th Congress. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Union (EU), Russia, Turkey, Kosovo, all NATO operations in Afghanistan, and energy security issues.

“I’m honored that Chairman Kerry and my colleagues have entrusted me with this responsibility,” said Senator Shaheen. “We are facing enormous international challenges. We are engaged in two wars, we suffer from weakened international alliances, and we must confront the global threat of climate change. Strong trans-Atlantic alliances and the ability to maintain a united front are critical to overcoming these challenges and to providing a safe, secure, and prosperous world for our children and our grandchildren. I hope to lead this effort in my new post in the Foreign Relations Committee.”

The Subcommittee’s responsibilities include all matters within the geographic region relating to terrorism and non-proliferation; crime and illicit narcotics; U.S. foreign assistance programs; and the promotion of U.S. trade and exports.

Shaheen is uniquely positioned, as a member of both the Senate Foreign Relations and Energy Committees, to play a role in curbing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and attaining global energy security – issues that have strong implications regarding America’s energy, national security, and economic policies.

Shaheen takes over the chairmanship of the Subcommittee from now-President Barack Obama.