Booker gets Foreign Affairs subcommittee chairmanship

U.S. Senator Cory Booker announced today that he will assume the chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy for the 118th Congress, giving him a significant perch within the broader Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“For too long, many have painted Africa with broad strokes, ignoring the diversity and vitality of countries across the continent,” Booker said in a statement. “I hope to engage our African partners on a shared vision for the future, which includes boosting trade and economic investment, strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and cooperating on global challenges like climate change and food insecurity.”

Booker, who has been a member of the Foreign Relations Committee since 2017, will succeed Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) as Africa and Global Health Policy chair. He previously served as ranking member of the subcommittee in 2017 and 2018, when Democrats were in the minority.

Booker’s ascension means that New Jersey will have both of its senators serving in important foreign affairs capacities; the state’s other senator, Bob Menendez, chairs the entire Foreign Relations Committee. (Two New Jersey representatives, Reps. Tom Kean Jr. and Chris Smith, also serve on the equivalent House committee.)

“I look forward to engaging with members of the committee on these vital priorities and continuing my partnership with Chairman Menendez to ensure a more prosperous, secure, and healthy global community,” Booker said today.