WASHINGTON (January 13, 2011)—Congressman Ben Chandler announced today that he has been appointed to the coveted House Select Committee on Intelligence in the 112th Congress.

“I’m honored and humbled to be part of the Intelligence Committee,” Chandler said. “This committee is charged with the difficult task of keeping Americans safe from threats to our national security.  We have a long, hard road ahead in our fight against terrorism, and ensuring a solid intelligence infrastructure is crucial to that fight.”
            
Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said of the appointment: “The Intelligence Committee has some of the biggest and most important responsibilities in Congress, and I want to congratulate Congressman Chandler on his appointment to this powerful committee.  As a member, Congressman Chandler will play a key role in ensuring the security of our nation and the safety of the American people.”

In addition to the Intelligence Committee, Chandler will also serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee and will seek to spark additional foreign investment in the Commonwealth to create new Kentucky jobs.

Ambassador Carey Cavanaugh of the University of Kentucky Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce said: “Chandler is moving to two pivotal committees.  In our globalized economy, foreign trade is providing investment, profit, and jobs for Kentucky businesses.  Getting these relationships right is essential and Chandler’s new role here will benefit Lexington.  The experience Chandler will gain from both assignments should also groom him well for further national leadership responsibilities.”

House leadership recently stated its intent to reappoint Chandler to the House Appropriations Committee in the future.  When reappointed, Chandler will retain his seniority on the committee.

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