Washington, DC – Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), a member of the Senate Republican whip team, today was selected to serve on four committees for the 112th Congress.  His assignments are the Armed Services Committee, the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee.
 
“Reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be a top priority of Congress, and I look forward to reducing the size and scope of these costly government programs as a member of the Banking Committee,” Wicker said.  “As we begin to address the major issues, tough decisions are necessary to cut federal spending and put the country on a sound fiscal footing.  The Banking Committee also has jurisdiction over flood insurance, and this new assignment will enhance my ability to work on behalf of residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast who are affected by this complicated issue.”

The Senate Banking Committee has jurisdiction over the two massive federal housing entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Since 2008, these programs have required more than $150 billion in taxpayer-funded bailouts, which Wicker voted against.

Wicker will continue to be a member of the Armed Services Committee.  He has worked to provide our troops and their families with the resources they need to succeed while waging war on two battle fronts.

Wicker said, “Gaining seniority on the Armed Services Committee allows me to advocate for a strong military, which is able to meet the challenges before us.  Carrying on Mississippi’s long and important history of military support is crucial for the country.”

In addition, Wicker continues as the only Senator from Mississippi to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee.  An Air Force veteran himself, Wicker has championed programs to ensure the VA is meeting the health care needs of our veterans, including new veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a Deputy Whip, Wicker will work alongside Republican Whip Jon Kyl to recommend conservative agenda items and build support for the legislative plan.

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