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This week, Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) was selected to serve on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology in addition to his work on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Typically, members of Energy and Commerce do not serve on additional committees, but Tonko worked to receive a waiver that allows him to provide his expertise as an engineer and a Capital Region resident on the Science Committee’s Subcommittee on Research and Technology.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on another committee and provide the Capital Region a larger representation in Congress,” Tonko said. “In New York, we know the value of responsible investment in an innovation economy, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and bring the successes of our communities to Washington as a teaching tool to make our nation a better place. This allows us a louder voice in support of research and development, and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Tonko’s new committee has jurisdiction over non-defense federal scientific research and development. Specifically, the committee has partial or complete jurisdiction over the Department of Energy, EPA, NASA, National Science Foundation, FAA, NOAA, FEMA, and the U.S. Fire Administration among others. The Subcommittee on Research and Technology has jurisdiction and investigative authority over matters related to research and development, engineering, education and multiple other arenas in the nation’s science policy.

Tonko previously served on the Science, Space and Technology committee during his first two terms in Congress. He will continue his work on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing committee in the House, created in December of 1795.

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