Schwartz Named to Foreign Affairs Committee

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz was appointed today by the House Democratic Conference to be the newest member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Committee is chaired by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and the Ranking Member is Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA).

The Committee on Foreign Affairs has jurisdiction over the protection of American citizens abroad, oversight of foreign assistance, national security developments affecting foreign policy, strategic planning and agreements, war powers, treaties, executive agreements, and the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee and I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the important issues facing our nation and our leadership around the world,’’ Schwartz said. “As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will fight for effective foreign policy and strong, positive economic and political relationships with our allies around the globe. Both our national security and our future economic prosperity demand serious and informed engagement by the Committee and I welcome being a part of these discussions and decisions.”

“Congresswoman Schwartz has worked hard to strengthen our relationship with the international community in the service of our national interest, and to pursue more effective and efficient foreign assistance programs,” said Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Rep. Howard Berman. “I look forward to continuing to work with her to meet these important goals.”

Schwartz has a substantial record working on foreign affairs. Since the 109th Congress, Schwartz has served as member of the bipartisan House Democracy Assistance Partnership (HDAP). As a member of this select group, Schwartz traveled with the Commission extensively and has participated in the critical work of promoting and supporting the development of democratic governments around the world.

Specifically, Schwartz worked to focus on peer-to-peer partnerships with emerging democratic legislatures to assist in the development of the fundamental building blocks of legislative government: oversight, transparency, accountability, effective legislation, and responsiveness to constituents. As a member of HDAP, Schwartz took an interest in the nation of Georgia and formed the Congressional Georgia Caucus to strengthen our bilateral ties with an important emerging democracy.

Schwartz has also vigorously pursued policies designed to strengthen Congress’ bipartisan support for the State of Israel and is a member of the Democratic Israel Working Group and the U.S.-Israel Security Caucus.

In addition to this new prominent committee assignment, Schwartz will continue to serve as Vice Ranking Member on the Budget Committee, where she has distinguished herself as an outspoken critic of deficit spending. A strong proponent of fiscal discipline and a balanced federal budget, Schwartz believes the nation must reduce our enormous national debt and redirect our policies to meet the priorities of American families.

The Pennsylvania Congresswoman will also continue to serve as Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, a coalition of 43 members of the House who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and businesses. Schwartz is considered a champion for economic development, particularly in areas of health care, biotechnology and technological innovation.