Spanberger Selected to Serve as Vice-Chair of Key U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Focused on Europe

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger was selected to serve as Vice-Chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment.  

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Elliot Engel (D-NY-16) announced that Spanberger will serve as Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee, which is responsible for legislation and oversight related to U.S. foreign policy and engagement in Europe and Eurasia. The Subcommittee also maintains oversight of legislation related to global energy trends, energy security, and environmental protection.

“At a time when many of our nation’s key security partnerships are strained, lawmakers must redouble our commitment to diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation with our European allies,” said Spanberger. “I am honored to serve as Vice-Chair of this Subcommittee and to help reassure our European counterparts that the United States is a steady, strong security partner. Additionally, as this Subcommittee looks critically at the threat of climate change and looming energy and environmental challenges, I’m eager to help develop a response strategy that strengthens U.S. national security, develops effective policy solutions, and keeps our communities safe.”

The Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment Subcommittee, the largest subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will also be tasked with reviewing ways to counteract Russian aggression in Eastern Europe.

Spanberger will serve as Vice-Chair under the leadership of U.S. Representative William Keating (D-MA-9), who will serve as Chair of the Subcommittee, and Ranking Member U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16).

Background

Spanberger is committed to reinforcing the importance of U.S. relationships with key allies in Europe, Asia, and around the world. Last month, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Support Act—which Spanberger helped introduce—overwhelmingly passed in the U.S. House. The bipartisan legislation would reinforce the U.S. commitment to its fellow NATO member states.

And last week, Spanberger announced her appointment to serve as Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition National Security Task Force. As Co-Chair, Spanberger will focus on demonstrating the importance of American leadership abroad and reaffirming a commitment to the vital role of diplomacy and humanitarian assistance.

Since arriving in the House, Spanberger is working to champion diplomacy, human rights, and humanitarian assistance as key components of U.S. foreign policy. Last month, Spanberger was selected to serve as a member of two key subcommittees on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee—the Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and the Environment Subcommittee and the Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation Subcommittee.

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