Watson Coleman gets Homeland Security subcommittee chairmanship

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) is the new chair of the House Homeland Security Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee.

The panel has jurisdiction over the Transportation Security Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard.

“My years working on the Homeland Security Committee under our Chairman Bennie Thompson have offered me a model of leadership,” Watson Coleman said.  “As Chair, I will work to ensure the safety and security of our transportation infrastructure as our country moves forward with plans to build back from the devastating effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic.”

Watson Coleman’s new post allows New Jersey – which now has five seats on the Homeland Security Committee – to keep a subcommittee chairmanship.

Rep. Donald Payne (D-Newark) gave up his post as Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery Subcommittee Chairman to lead the House Transportation & Infrastructure Railroads, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

Three new members of the committee from New Jersey – Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff), Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) and Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis) – were all assigned to the Intelligence & Counterterrorism Subcommittee.