WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced he has been named the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Seapower Subcommittee.  Wicker said the leadership role will put him in a strong position to influence matters relating to the Navy and Marine Corps, including their shipbuilding needs and priorities.   

“My position as the ranking Republican on the Seapower subcommittee will give me a unique opportunity to work with the Navy and Marine Corps to help keep our country secure.   A strong domestic shipbuilding industry is absolutely critical to providing that security.  I look forward to working with Rep. Gene Taylor, the House Seapower subcommittee chairman, and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to ensure our nation’s shipyards are employed at a steady level and that our sailors and Marines have the resources they need to continue protecting our nation.” 

Wicker noted that this is an especially important assignment considering the Navy’s increased responsibilities with regard to sea-based missile defense and the Marine Corps’ increased participation in the war in Afghanistan.  These relatively new responsibilities are in addition to the Navy’s traditional mission of sea control and shipping-channel protection, which ensures the safety of the nation’s shipping industry. 

Information on Sen. Wicker’s committee and subcommittee assignments:

Senate Armed Services Committee
Subcommittee on Seapower - Ranking Republican
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
Subcommittee on Personnel

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance - Ranking Republican
Subcommittee on Aviation, Operations, Safety, and Security
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine

Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women’s Issues - Ranking Republican
Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Subcommittee on European Affairs
Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection

Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

###