HUNTSVILLE — After two weeks at the nation’s capital, newly sworn in U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) has been nominated to yet another powerful committee in the House.
At his first briefing from his office headquarters in Huntsville, Strong announced his name has been added to the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Strong was nominated to the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Armed Services Committee, this week.
“I am extremely honored to be asked to serve on committees that are crucial to the work being done in North Alabama,” said Strong. “I believe that’s the trifecta for Alabama.”
Putting it mildly, Strong called the appointments “impressive” for a freshman term.
“People know where North Alabama is, they know what we do for America, they know what we do for national security,” he said. “And I think this has helped us in this process.”
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee oversees agency budgets totaling more than $42 billion and its jurisdiction covers most non-defense and non-human-health Federal research and development, which includes overseeing NASA.
“What we’ve got going on Redstone Arsenal, what’s going on in Cummings Research Park, the way we have diversified our economy, I think this is perfect,” said Strong. “And looking at the role we play in the heavy lift (rocket), we are the propulsion capital of the world.
“That’s the thing, everywhere we go people understand what we do here.”
Strong also praised the Alabama delegation.
“Our entire delegation from the House of Representatives to the United States Senate is together,” he said. “There are a lot of delegation states that do not work well. I’m thankful for the senior members that have welcomed me and have given great advice.”
Strong credits fellow Congressman Mike Rogers for ending the days-long debate to elect a Speaker of House.
“There was some pretty heated dialogue to move forward for our country,” said Strong. “I think history will write the communication Mike Rogers had led to the change vote to suspend, that led to the 15th vote.”
Strong said the historically drawn-out process to elect the Speaker shifted the power in the U.S. House.
“The power has been taken away from the Speaker, however you look at it,” he said. “The power is back in the committees.”
Strong said he hopes to begin work on his three committees when he returns to Washington on Monday. The House Republican Conference is expected to formally ratify the Steering Committee’s recommendations for committee assignments next week.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
