Strange receives committee appointments

By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter

Friday, February 10, 2017, new US Senator Luther Strange has received his committee assignments in the US Senate.

Senator Strange said in a statement, “It was a great privilege to be sworn into the United States Senate yesterday. As I took the oath of office, I reaffirmed my commitment to working every day to represent the people of Alabama with honor.”

Senator Strange will serve as a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Armed Services; Budget; and Energy and Natural Resources Committees.

Senator Strange said, “I look forward to hitting the ground running in these four critical committees to advance conservative principles and fight for a more lean and efficient Federal government. Each of these committees impacts hard-working Alabamians all across our State.”

On Friday, US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) welcomed Senator Strange: “Of course, the departure of one Senator [Sessions] typically heralds the arrival of a new one. Today is no different. I hope colleagues will join me in welcoming Alabama’s newest Senator later today, Luther Strange, who will be sworn in this afternoon.”

McConnell said, ”You won’t have much trouble finding him. He’ll be about the tallest guy around here. Senator Thune and Senator Cotton last night were somewhat distressed by the notion that they’d be replaced by an even taller Senator. That will happen later today. Now you’d expect nothing different from a former college basketball player. Luther Strange, like the man who preceded him, is a devoted Eagle Scout.”

The Kentucky Senator continued: ”He shares his interest in the law too. He even argued successfully before the Supreme Court. It’s notable experience to bring to any job, especially this one and especially at a time when we’re actively involved in the process of considering a new – and superbly qualified – nominee to the court. We’re looking forward to the contributions Alabama’s newest Senator will make. He’ll have the chance to get started right away. We’ve got important work to do. That starts with confirming more of the qualified Cabinet nominees before us.”

Luther Strange was a Tulane basketball player, a longtime lobbyist, and a 2006 GOP candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Strange ran successfully for Attorney General of Alabama in 2010, unseating GOP incumbent Troy King. Strange was easily re-elected in 2014.