Now in his second term in the U.S. House, U.S. Rep. Francis Rooney, R-Fla., has a new committee assignment--which he plans to use to continue his efforts against offshore drilling and to protect water quality in Florida.
Rooney joined the U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee last week which the congressman’s office showcased on Tuesday.
U.S. Rep Frank Lucas, R-Ok., who leads Republicans on the committee, praised Rooney as he started his new duties.
“I’m proud to welcome Representative Francis Rooney to the Science Committee,” said Lucas. “Mr. Rooney has been an advocate in Congress for the environmental and energy issues that impact his community. He has done an outstanding job representing Florida’s 19th District, and I’m looking forward to working with him on our committee’s priorities.”
Rooney offered a tip of the cap to U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Tex., who chairs the committee, and Lucas.
“I thank Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas for supporting me in joining the Science, Space and Technology Committee,” Rooney said. “The committee has jurisdiction over much of the non-defense federal research programs that provide innovative solutions to our environmental challenges, which is important to Southwest Florida. We have a tourism-based economy which relies on clean water and a pristine environment. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on the committee to address the serious challenges our environment faces, including ocean trash, the impacts of offshore drilling, rising sea levels and temperatures, and acidity in our air and waters.”
Rooney becomes the fourth member of the Florida delegation to serve on the committee, joining U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla.
With his new committee assignment, Rooney gives up his seat on the U.S. Education and the Workforce Committee. Rooney remains on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee where he served as the vice chairman last year when the GOP controlled the chamber. The Southwest Florida congressman continues to lead Republicans on the U.S. Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade Subcommittee. Rooney also leads the Climate Solutions Caucus with U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla.
