Rep. Lowenthal Named To House Foreign Affairs Committee

Representative-elect Alan Lowenthal has been appointed to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The appointment was approved by the Democratic Caucus and announced Thursday by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

"We live in an increasingly complicated world where our standing in, and our interactions with, the international community are more critical than ever," Lowenthal said. "I'm honored to be appointed to the Foreign Affairs Committee and look forward to working with all of my colleagues on the committee to ensure that smart and strategic foreign policy is brought to bear for the long-term well-being and security of our nation."

In addition to other critical foreign policy issues, Lowenthal said that he was especially looking forward to continuing his advocacy for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee is responsible for oversight and legislation relating to national security developments affecting foreign policy; strategic planning and agreements; war powers, treaties, executive agreements, and the deployment and use of United States Armed Forces; international law; and arms control, among other foreign policy issues. The committee also oversees federal legislation that impacts the United States diplomatic community, which includes the Department of State, the Agency for International Development (USAID), the Peace Corps, the United Nations, and the enforcement of the Arms Export Control Act.

In her announcement, Pelosi noted that the incoming Democratic Caucus is the most diverse in the history of Congress, and said that she believed each of the caucus members would bring a unique perspective to the challenges of our day. “On every committee, our colleagues will offer their experience, passion, and persistence to the task of effectively and faithfully serving the American people,” Pelosi said.

Lowenthal, who will be sworn in on Jan. 3 in Washington, D.C., is a former California State Senator, California State Assembly member, Long Beach City Council member and long-time professor at California State University Long Beach.