Owens gets Armed Services, Homeland Security assignments

WASHINGTON — Rep. William L. Owens will serve on the House armed services and homeland security committees, the House Democratic leadership announced today.

Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, assumes the Armed Services seat vacated by Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher, D-Calif., and beat out her replacement, also a Democrat, for the slot.

“Fort Drum is the largest employer in our district, and is critical to both our national security and our local economy” Mr. Owens said in a press release. “I will do everything in my power to maintain and strengthen Fort Drum as a Member of Congress, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee I will fight tirelessly for the base, the surrounding community and for our entire district, all who benefit from Fort Drum's presence.”

In the release, Mr. Owens also noted the significance of the Homeland Security assignment, given the district's long border with Canada and several ports of entry.

Subcommittee assignments were not announced.

The decision was made by the House Steering and Policy Committee.