The Peru Gazette

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Owens announced he has been appointed to the Subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security as part of his work as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  Earlier this month, Congressman Owens was appointed for the 113^th Congress to serve on the influential House Appropriations Committee.

“As a veteran, I’m proud to serve on the Defense Subcommittee to help ensure that men and women in the field have everything they need and installations like Fort Drum are fully prepared to train the next generation of soldiers,” said Owens.  “Moreover, as co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, I look forward to serving on the Homeland Security Subcommittee to further facilitate the movement of people and goods between New York and Canada.”

In Congress, the Appropriations Committee exercises authority over federal spending in every department.  The Defense Subcommittee has jurisdiction over spending for theDepartment of the Army, Navy, Air Force, the Office of Secretary of Defense, various Defense Agencies and the intelligence community.  This includes much of the spending at military installations like Fort Drum as well as department-wide activities within the Army. The Homeland Security Subcommittee has jurisdiction over that Department, as well as associated agencies like Customs and Border Patrol.

“This new role is an exciting opportunity to help strengthen important economic assets in the district,” said Owens.  “I look forward to the good work we can do to help create jobs while finding responsible cuts that will put America back on track towards fiscal responsibility.”