(Washington, DC) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) announced the Subcommittee Ranking Members for the 117th Congress:
- Subcommittee on Energy: Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX)
- Subcommittee on Environment: Ranking Member Stephanie Bice (R-OK)
- Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight: Ranking Member Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
- Subcommittee on Research and Technology: Ranking Member Michael Waltz (R-FL)
- Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics: Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-TX)
“I’m proud to be joined by an outstanding group of Ranking Members as we kick off the 117th Congress,” Lucas said. “Each subcommittee leader brings critical expertise and a unique perspective to their jurisdictions. I’m confident that together we’ll provide the thoughtful policy, oversight, and forward-thinking needed to keep America the global leader in science and technology.”
Subcommittee on Energy: Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX)
“Ranking Member Weber has done great work as our leader on the Energy Subcommittee,” Lucas said. “He’s been a strong supporter of cutting-edge energy technologies like next-generation nuclear and advanced geothermal, as well as the fundamental research needed to make our energy portfolio cleaner, more affordable, and more secure. His leadership will be critical as we continue to grow America’s energy production.”
“My district on the Gulf Coast of Texas is one of the biggest energy producers in America, so I am proud to serve once again as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy," Weber said. “At the beginning of the last Congress, I committed to focusing on reauthorizations and continued oversight of the Department of Energy in a bipartisan fashion. It is an honor to be asked to continue to serve in this role and remain focused on this. Although we succeeded in passing the first major update of America’s energy policy in 13 years, the Energy Act of 2020, we have more work to do. I am going to ensure the research, development, and demonstration programs authorized at the Department of Energy are quickly implemented and responsibly conducted. Not only will this modernize our energy sector and keep prices low for consumers, but we will not relinquish global leadership to China and Russia. I'd like to thank Ranking Member Frank Lucas for his leadership and trust in me to lead these efforts. The future is bright for U.S. energy independence and innovation!"
Subcommittee on Environment: Ranking Member Stephanie Bice (R-OK)
“I’m pleased that my fellow Oklahoman Ranking Member Bice will be taking leadership of our Environment Subcommittee,” Lucas said. “She understands the critical role technology must play in monitoring, forecasting, and mitigating environmental impacts. Whether it’s predicting extreme weather events or ensuring that oil and gas regulations keep the industry safe and energy prices low, Ranking Member Bice will be a strong voice for a strong economy and healthy environment."
“America leads the world in science and technology, but we must continue to invest in research and emerging technologies,” Bice said. “In particular, our nation’s weather forecasting technologies play an integral role in keeping Oklahomans safe from tornadoes and other natural disasters. That’s why I’m honored to be named Ranking Member of the Environment Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee which has direct jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service, located in Norman, Okla. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen these important services which provide timely and actionable information to the American people.”
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight: Ranking Member Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
“I’m proud to have Ranking Member Obernolte join the Science Committee and take leadership of our critical oversight work,” Lucas said. “It’s our job to ensure federal agencies are doing their work effectively, efficiently, and within their legislative scope. As a business owner with a background in science and technology, Ranking Member Obernolte is uniquely qualified to provide the oversight needed for our research and development work.”
“The coming years will require bold action to ensure American values are preserved in the global future of technology, space travel, energy development, and health investments,” Obernolte said. "As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, I look forward to ensuring our resources are used appropriately as we seek to take on this ever-changing frontier and implement policies that will make American lives better.”
Subcommittee on Research and Technology: Ranking Member Michael Waltz (R-FL)
“In the last Congress, Ranking Member Waltz quickly became a leader in the effort to support America’s technological development and protect our research from theft by foreign adversaries,” Lucas said. “He’s worked to shine a light on threats to our scientific enterprise and he’s supported legislation to keep us at the cutting edge of research and development. He’s also been a strong advocate for STEM education and workforce development, and I look forward to working with him to keep America competitive.”
“I am grateful to Ranking Member Lucas for the opportunity to lead my Republican colleagues on this subcommittee as we look to secure taxpayer-funded research and technologies from adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” said Waltz. “I hope to use this position to build on Office of Science and Technology Policy efforts to safeguard America’s intellectual property and confront the CCP’s wholesale theft from our research institutions.”
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics: Ranking Member Brian Babin (R-TX)
“Ranking Member Babin has been a strong supporter of America’s leadership in space,” said Lucas. “He’s developed legislation to promote a thriving commercial space sector and he’s advocated for the consistency and vision necessary for NASA to successfully complete its biggest missions, including returning Americans to the Moon. With new leadership at NASA, Ranking Member Babin’s expertise in space policy is critical to our continued progress.”
“It is an incredible honor to continue serving as the lead Republican on the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics,” said Rep. Babin. “Securing America’s place as the leader of spacefaring nations proves more critical by the day. Throughout history, the United States has repeatedly demonstrated to the world its remarkable imagination, perseverance, and technical capabilities. I’m proud to serve as a prominent voice in driving our country toward future accomplishments in space by building upon our past success. Representing NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the nation’s lead center for human spaceflight, and supporting the brilliant men and women of America’s space program remains my priority as we push scientific discovery and giant leaps in human exploration.”