Press Release

Cramer to sit on new Appropriations Subcommittees

By SpaceRef Editor
February 16, 2005
Filed under ,

New Assignments will fund NASA, Veterans Affairs, and Military Construction

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced today that he has been appointed to the Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee as well as the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. Cramer has been a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 1997.

“North Alabama is uniquely connected to the federal government and I knew from the very beginning that I needed to be on the Appropriations Committee,” said Cramer.  “I have always believed that a seat on this committee would give me the strongest voice for North Alabama and put me in a good position to help the agencies and programs that make our community such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Last week, the committee unveiled a reorganization plan that would reduce the number of subcommittees from thirteen to ten, eliminating the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies, the Legislative Branch, and District of Columbia Appropriations Subcommittees.

Previously Representative Cramer served on the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies as well as the Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary Appropriations Subcommittees.  Cramer’s new subcommittee assignments contain parts of each of those subcommittees.

The Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Subcommittee will provide funding for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Office of Science and Technology.  It will also fund programs that support the law enforcement community, juvenile justice, and the nationwide network of Children’s Advocacy Centers.

The Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee will allocate funding for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.  The subcommittee will also fund programs that help enhance the quality of life for service men and women.  This includes the Defense Health Program, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), and the sustainment, repair, and modernization of military facilities.

Cramer added, “These subcommittees allow me to strongly advocate North Alabama’s interests on issues ranging from NASA, Veterans Affairs, and BRAC to law enforcement grants and child abuse.  I look forward to continuing to serve our community’s needs on the Appropriations Committee.”

SpaceRef staff editor.