On January 3, 2012 Randy Weber sent out a press release announcing that we had been placed on the Science, Space, and Technology and Foreign Affairs committees.
"I am very excited to be on both committees,” said Congressman-Elect Randy Weber. “NASA is a neighbor to my district, while UTMB and a number of science and research-based entities reside within Congressional District 14. I will be a strong advocate for each of them on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The Foreign Affairs Committee will allow me the opportunity to champion our Nation and her able citizens, while learning more about the international issues impacting our borders.” Weber added, “I am looking forward to this opportunity to learn and grow on these committees and am grateful for the appointments given me.”
The decision on the Science, Space and Technology committee was made in mid December. Seven of the committees members in the 113th Congress will be from Texas, which gives the state some clout. Makes sense since the committee's jurisdiction includes the Johnson Space Center which is a major feature of the local economy. JSC is in the 14th District - so Weber's placement there makes perfect sense. No word right now on what subcommittees he will be on. A Texas Republican - Lamar Smith - will also chair the committee, taking over from another Texas Republican Ralph Hall.As if that is not enough - the ranking member - meaning the top Democrat - is also a Texan: Eddie Bernice Johnson.
From Texans on the Potomac:
The committee has strong impact on Texas and oversees NASA and research programs conducted in San Antonio at Southwest Research Institute, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, and the University of Texas Health Science Center.
“Clearly it’s an advantage,” said Louis DeSipio, professor of political science and Latino studies at the University of California Irvine. “What it will mean in practical terms is that when Congress gets around to allocating resources…Texas universities will be at an advantage. Larger Texas technology firms will be in a good position.”
FYI: Ralph Hall released a summary of the accomplishments of the committee during the 112th Congress.
Given the Houston area's position within internal markets - especially oil - Weber's appointment to the Foreign Affairs committee also makes sense. In addition, the committee allows for focus on border issues - illegal immigration and all that - which are important to his constituency.
The 14th District is a relatively safe one for Republicans. Now that he is an incumbent, there is little reason to think that he cannot hold onto this position as long as he likes. But being on these committees gives him enough opportunity to deal with the needs of constituents to be able to campaign effectively on that point. Republican leaders almost certainly took this into consideration when they made these appointments.
