WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after being appointed to the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on the Budget.

 “I am excited to get to work with my colleagues on the Natural Resources, Small Business, and Budget Committees,” Rep. Hern said. “Thousands of Oklahomans are employed in the Energy sector, an industry that is directly impacted by the work of the Natural Resources Committee. I look forward to working for our people in this capacity.

“As a business owner and job creator for most of my adult life, I am uniquely qualified to be a voice in favor of our small businesses in Congress. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the soul of the American Dream. These small businesses are innovating technology and moving American industry forward in an exciting way. The Small Business Committee will be a great opportunity to help business owners reach their American Dream and create a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

“The Budget Committee is at the heart of Congressional spending and plays an important role in managing our federal debt. I have made the reduction of our federal debt a high priority of mine and I am eager to get to work with the Budget Committee to balance our budget and start paying down our debt.”

Background Information:

The Committee on Natural Resources considers legislation about American energy production, mineral lands and mining, fisheries and wildlife, public lands, oceans, Native Americans, irrigation and reclamation. The Committee is chaired by Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) and the Republican Leader is Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01).

The Committee on Small Business was established to support small businesses in areas like tax reform, regulatory reform, trade and contracting. The Committee is chaired by Rep. Nydia M. Velasquez (NY-07) and the Republican Leader is Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01).

The Committee on the Budget has jurisdiction over the concurrent resolution on the budget and has the task of reconciling the President’s budget proposal with Congressional priorities. The Committee is chaired by Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-03) and the Republican Leader is Rep. Steve Womack (AR-03).

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