(Washington, DC)  The Democratic Caucus of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology elected Subcommittee Ranking Members and selected subcommittee assignments today.

Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) said, “I am proud to be working with such a strong group of Ranking Members and caucus. There is much work to be done this Congress and I look forward to working with them and our colleagues across the aisle to advance our nation’s scientific research, innovation, and education enterprise.”

Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) was elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Space.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Space,” said Congresswoman Edwards. “The Subcommittee provides an excellent platform to develop a national space policy that maintains our international leadership, spurs innovation here at home, and creates the jobs and workforce that have contributed so greatly to our economy, including in Maryland’s 4th Congressional District. I look forward to continuing to work with Subcommittee Chairman Palazzo and my colleagues on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 114th Congress.”

Democratic Members of the Subcommittee include:

         Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA)

         Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

         Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)

         Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX)

         Rep. Dan Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) was elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy.

“I have held a lifelong interest in the field of energy development, and a particular fascination in commercial applications of energy technology and environmental research. I will serve as an ardent advocate for the Department of Energy’s laboratories, science activities, and energy supply activities, as well as its efforts to pursue solar and renewable energy technologies. I will rebuff any attempts to attack the science of climate change.  America cannot afford to see other countries like Germany take the lead in energy research and technology.  I want to make sure that the billions of dollars that our government invests each year in energy research are well-spent, and help us make tangible progress toward cheaper and cleaner energy.”

Democratic Members of the Subcommittee include:

         Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA)

         Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX)

         Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL)

         Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)

         Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) was elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment.

“Protecting the environment is good for the long-term stability of our planet and our economy,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “In my role as the Ranking Member on the Environment Subcommittee, I will stand up for vulnerable ecosystems and sustainable use of our natural resources. To help grow the economy, create jobs in new industries, and keep our country competitive, I will continue to advocate for investments in clean technology.”

Democratic Members of the Subcommittee include:

         Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-MD)

         Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL)

         Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA)

         Rep. Dan Beyer (D-VA)

Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) was elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. 

“Our world is much better today because of the investments the United States has made in basic science research.  These investments have resulted in historic breakthroughs in how we understand the world, and have led to advances in medicine and technology that have made possible new products that have created jobs and economic development.  That’s why I am committed to keeping the country at the forefront of scientific research and leading the way in developing new technologies and creating new jobs,” said Rep. Lipinski. “As a former teacher and one of only a dozen engineers in Congress, I will also continue to push for improvements in STEM education.  I am a strong believer that improving STEM education at all levels is among the most important steps we can take to ensure that America remains the most technologically innovative country in the world and our children receive an education that will allow them to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow.” 

Democratic Members of the Subcommittee include:

          Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT)

         Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)

         Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)

         Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

         Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) 

Rep. Dan Beyer (D-VA) was elected Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight.

 “It’s an honor to serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight,” said Rep. Beyer.  “The federal government must be a collaborative partner as we create the new American economy, which will emerge from the science and technology sectors.  This will require proper Congressional oversight and ensuring that the federal government works for all Americans.  I am excited to work with my colleagues and Subcommittee Chairman Loudermilk (R-GA) to cement our role as a global leader in the 21st century.”    

Democratic Members of the Subcommittee include:

         Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL)

         Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)