Sherrill gets Science subcommittee chair

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) was named chair of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Wednesday.

“Federal research is vital to the innovation that drives our local economy and global competitiveness,” Sherrill said. “I am proud to lead the subcommittee in support of the independence and integrity of science and scientists advancing the fields of energy, space, and transportation.”

It’s rare, but not unheard of, for a first-term representative to chair a subcommittee.

The subcommittee Sherrill now chairs is responsible for oversight of non-defense federal research and development, including that conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation, among others.