WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today announced that he will serve as Acting Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics in the 112th Congress. Following today’s election of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Costello was asked by the committee leadership to serve in her absence as she recovers.
“Congresswoman Giffords, my good friend and colleague, has demonstrated strong leadership as a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, particularly on the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, where she has been a true champion of our nation’s space program,” said Costello. “I look forward to Congresswoman Giffords’ continued work as the Subcommittee’s Ranking Member when she returns to Congress, and I am honored to serve as Acting Ranking Member during her recovery.”
Costello had previously served as a senior member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, and he will continue to play an active role on these issues.