U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) on Friday announced his four committee assignments for the 117th Congress. He will continue to serve on the Senate Committee on Finance; the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Young
In addition, Sen. Young secured two subcommittee Ranking Member positions. On Finance, he will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy, focusing on issues such as retirement, child welfare, adoption, and unemployment compensation. On Foreign Relations, he will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, which includes jurisdiction over critical regions in the Middle East, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the U.S.’s continued campaign against terrorism around the world.
“I’m honored to continue my work on these committees to tackle the issues most important to Hoosiers, including national security, public health, broadband access, and global competitiveness,” Sen. Young said. “The pandemic has left many Hoosier businesses and communities worried about the future, and my work on these committees will help strengthen our economy as we work to rebuild.”
U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
Sen. Young will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy. The subcommittee deals with issues related to the Social Security Administration, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, Department of Labor retirement and pension issues, Unemployment Insurance, and programs within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, including child welfare and adoption.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance has some of the broadest jurisdiction in the Senate, with authority over issues related to taxation and other revenue measures, the United States’ debt, trade agreements, tariff and import quotas, and other related matters. The committee also oversees health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and other health and human services programs financed by a specific tax or trust fund, as well as national social security.
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Sen. Young will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism. The subcommittee deals with all matters concerning U.S. relations with the countries of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia, as well as regional intergovernmental organizations. This subcommittee’s regional responsibilities include all matters within the geographic region, including matters relating to: (1) terrorism and non-proliferation; (2) crime and illicit narcotics; (3) U.S. foreign assistance programs; and (4) the promotion of U.S. trade and exports. In addition, this subcommittee has global responsibility for counterterrorism matters.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is charged with leading foreign policy legislation and debate in the Senate. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 115th and 116th Congresses, Sen. Young emerged as a leading voice against rogue regimes, global food insecurity, and human rights abuses, particularly in Yemen, which is home to the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Sen. Young also worked to fight against the Chinese Communist Party. The Foreign Relations Committee is generally responsible for overseeing and funding foreign aid programs as well as funding arms sales and training for national allies. The committee is also responsible for holding confirmation hearings for high-level positions in the Department of State. The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation, ranging from the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It also holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations.
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation oversees many issues important to Indiana. The committee is in charge of all Senate matters related to telecommunications, transportation, highway safety, aviation, rail, inland waterways, pipelines, tourism, economic development, aeronautical and space sciences, and oceans, weather, and atmospheric activities. The Committee also oversees the regulation of consumer products and services, except for credit, financial services, and housing.
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has jurisdiction over legislation and other matters related to the Small Business Administration. The Committee is also charged with studying and surveying by means of research and investigation all problems of American small business enterprises. This committee assignment continues to position Sen. Young to be a strong advocate for Indiana’s small business owners.