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The all-important committee assignments for the 119th Congress were handed out on Tuesday, and freshman Alabama Rep. Shomari Figures snagged two that are pretty important to the state.
In a phone call with APR, Figures said he had been assigned to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee.
“Those were two that were very important to me, important to the 2nd Congressional District,” Figures said. In a statement issued later by Figures’ office, he said the committee assignments allow him to “have a direct role in delivering crucial resources” to the district.
The Agriculture Committee assignment could prove to be a particularly important role. Congress, which is nearly evenly split along party lines, will be tasked this year with re-authorizing the always-controversial and dense Farm Bill.
Figures called it a “crucial” appointment.
He is the only Alabama congressperson to be assigned to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Figures said he plans to make the Gulf Coast Amtrak service, between Mobile and New Orleans, a top priority.
Meanwhile, fellow Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell will maintain a seat on the Ways and Means Committee and will be the first Black female to hold a leadership position in a Ways and Means subcommittee. Sewell will be the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight.
“I am honored to have been selected by my Democratic colleagues to lead our work on the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee,” Sewell said in a statement last week. “As Congress prepares to consider new changes to our tax code, I look forward to fighting alongside my colleagues to protect programs like Social Security and Medicare and ensure that our tax system benefits all Americans, not just billionaires and big corporations. As Ranking Member, I am prepared to work with my Republican colleagues where possible and hold the incoming administration accountable when necessary.”
Sewell will also serve on Ways and Means Subcommittee for Trade and Social Security.
Joining Figures on the Agriculture Committee is 1st Congressional District Rep. Barry Moore. Moore will also serve on the House Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Mike Rogers will maintain his chairmanship of the Armed Services Committee, while Rep. Robert Aderholt is expected to remain on the House Appropriations Committee and remain chairman of a subcommittee. Rep. Gary Palmer will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Government Reform Committee. Rep. Dale Strong will also serve on the Appropriations Committee.
