Committee Assignments
The Committee on Appropriations
The Appropriations Committee writes legislation allocating federal funds to the numerous government agencies, department and organizations on an annual basis. The committee also is responsible for supplemental spending bills which are sometimes needed in the middle of a fiscal year to compensate for emergency expenses, such as funding to help with natural disasters or military operations. The Appropriations Committee gives Sen. Landrieu an opportunity to be a strong and effective voice for Louisiana's interests, particularly in the areas of health, transportation and education.
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
The Energy and Natural Resources Committee oversees legislation for National Energy Policy, including international energy affairs and emergency preparedness, strategic petroleum reserves, Outer Continental Shelf leasing, nuclear waste policy and privatization of federal assets. From her seat on the Energy Committee, Senator Landrieu has introduced the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), a bill that will make the largest investment in the environment in a generation -- with no new taxes. The legislation returns a greater share of federal off-shore oil and gas revenue to coastal states for coastal reinvestment projects. It also secures a permanent source of funding for the Land, Water, and Conservation Fund, which provides for recreational parks and threatened species in all 50 states. Louisiana would millions of dollars each year, which would go a long way towards rebuilding our rapidly deteriorating wetlands and upgrade our ports and roads.
The Committee on Small Business
This committee studies the issues relating to American small business enterprises. Senator Landrieu realizes that more than 65% of the new jobs in Louisiana in the past decade were created by small businesses; she lessened burdensome federal regulations and created tax relief for small businesses. In fact, her pro-growth, pro-business voting record in the 105th Congress earned her the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Spirit of Enterprise Award.
The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
This committee was established on February 17, 2005 when it replaced the Committee on Governmental Affairs. It is the chief oversight committee for the United States Senate. Sen. Landrieu chairs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Disaster Recovery Subcommittee, and is committed to reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure the nation’s disaster response arm is speedy and effective the next time a disaster strikes the United States, be it natural or manmade.
You can learn more about the United States Senates' committee system on the Senate Home Page.