> “I am pleased to see that her expertise and experience recognized by her selection to this key position.”

Granger, in her seventh term as a Member of Congress, has served on the Appropriations Committee since 1999. During her tenure on the committee, she has served on a variety of subcommittees including Energy & Water, Defense, Homeland Security, and Military Construction/Veterans Affairs.

Granger, who has long been known as a leading defense expert, adds a foreign policy portfolio that will benefit the Fort Worth-area 12^thDistrict, a community with deep ties to the defense of the United States and its allies.

“This new experience will allow me to provide a broader perspective and influence on how we interact with our allies and adversaries around the world,” Granger said. “The United States is currently engaged in two major military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are phasing out our military presence in Iraq.  The way we conduct our foreign policy is more important now than ever before. I understand firsthand how a decision made in Congress can alter the actions made by others around the world.”

The Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations has jurisdiction over the Departments of State, Defense and Treasury as well as agencies such as the U.S. Peace Corps and the Trade and Development Agency.

“Kay’s tireless and principled work on the Appropriations Committee, her service on the Subcommittee on Defense, and her long-time interest in international and counter-terrorism issues make her a great fit as the new senior Republican on the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee,” Congressman Jerry Lewis (CA-41) said. “I have had the honor of serving with Kay for many years, and her dedication, excellent reputation and record, and her level-headed decision making ability has placed her in a class with few rivals. I look forward to working with her throughout this next Congress as we strive to address the many serious international challenges facing our nation.”

Additionally, the Sister Cities program is funded through the State-Foreign Operations subcommittee. Sister Cities International is a nonprofit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between the United States and international communities.  As a participant in the program, Fort Worth has established relationships with communities such as Budapest, Hungary. Last June, Fort Worthwas recognized by Sister Cities for the Best Overall Program. 

Reps. Kay Granger and Jo Ann Emerson, Financial Services subcommittee, (MO-08) are the first Republican women to hold the position of Ranking Member on the House Appropriations committee.