WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced he has been selected to serve as the ranking Republican on three key Senate subcommittees.  The senator said these leadership roles will put him in a strong position to influence debate on economic and security matters important to Mississippi and the entire nation, as well as consumer protection issues.

Wicker was named the top Republican on the following subcommittees:  Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Production, and Insurance; and the Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues.

“Mississippi’s economy benefits greatly from the work of defense-related companies across our state,” Wicker said.  “Through my position as the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities subcommittee, I will be in a strong position to work on defense issues vital to both our national security and the economy of our state,” Wicker said. 

Of additional importance for Mississippi, Wicker was also named a member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, which focuses on the Navy and Marine Corps, including their shipbuilding needs and priorities.  Wicker said this will give him a unique opportunity to work with Rep. Gene Taylor, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee’s Seapower subcommittee, on Gulf Coast shipbuilding issues.

“I look forward to working with Congressman Taylor to ensure the Gulf Coast’s shipbuilders continue playing a leading role in keeping our nation secure,” Wicker added. 

From his new ranking member subcommittee post on the Commerce Committee, Wicker said he is looking forward to working to protect consumers from anticompetitive and fraudulent practices across all industries, something he says is increasingly important in difficult economic times.

“My role on the Commerce Committee will provide me a strong opportunity to fight for the safety and security of the American consumer,” Wicker said.

Finally, Wicker stated that his position as the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee’s subcommittee that oversees international issues will allow him to work on human rights issues that are of great concern to many in Mississippi and across the country.
 
“This new position on the Foreign Relations Committee will provide me a unique opportunity to bring a Mississippi perspective to debate on important international concerns, including human rights issues and oversight of our involvement in the United Nations,” Wicker said. 

In addition to the Senate Armed Services, Commerce, and Foreign Relations Committees, Wicker is also a member of the Veterans’ Affairs and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees.

Below is additional information on the subcommittees on which Sen. Wicker serves as the ranking Republican: 

Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC): Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.  The subcommittee is focused on improving Department of Defense capabilities to protect the nation against emerging threats, including terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.  Additionally, the subcommittee focuses on helping ensure our military transforms to meet 21st Century threats. 

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee: Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Production Safety, and Insurance.  The subcommittee deals with matters concerning regulation of consumer products, highway and vehicle safety, and property and casualty insurance.  The subcommittee provides oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee:  Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues.  The subcommittee's responsibilities include all matters involving international operations and organizations, as well as international democracy and human rights. This jurisdiction includes the general oversight responsibility for the Department of State, the Foreign Service, and public diplomacy.  It also includes oversight responsibility for United States participation in the United Nations, its affiliated organizations, and other international organizations not under the jurisdiction of other subcommittees.