Two Florida Republicans were named to top posts on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on Friday.
U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, selected U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., to serve as vice chairman of the committee. Royce also turned to U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., to stay at her post as chairwoman of the U.S. House Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. Ros-Lehtinen served as former chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee until being termed out.
“America faces deadly threats from North Korea, Iran, and ISIS terrorists,” Royce said on Friday. “The Foreign Affairs Committee is ready to get to work with the new administration to revitalize American diplomacy, defeat our enemies, and keep our homeland safe.”
Yoho, who is starting his third term in the House, weighed in on Friday afternoon on his new assignment.
“Honored to be named vice chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” Yoho noted. “I'm looking forward to working with Chairman Ed Royce in advancing America's foreign policy goals.”
Ros-Lehtinen said she was happy to stay in a leading role on Foreign Affairs Committee and on the Select Committee on Intelligence.
“I’m honored to continue to serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,” Ros-Lehiten said on Friday. “As the ‘Gateway to the Americas,’ South Florida plays an important and crucial role when it comes to foreign affairs because our economic future is directly impacted by it. These committee assignments will make sure our community is heard in the halls of Congress on the issues that impact and matter to us. I’ll continue working diligently to ensure South Florida’s priorities are Congress’ priorities.”
Ros-Lehtinen was first elected to Congress in 1989 in a special election.
