New area Congressmen get assignments

U.S. House Democratic leadership appointed freshman U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire to his third committee and his first subcommittee chairmanship.

Altmire, D-4th, whose district includes all of Lawrence and a portion of Mercer counties in Pennsylvania, was selected to serve on the Small Business Committee.

Altmire, a congressman since Jan. 8, was named chairman of the committee’s investigations and oversight subcommittee.

The House committee reviews legislation related to the U.S. Small Business Administration and other policy initiatives that impact the 26 million small businesses nationwide, according to its Web site.

The subcommittee monitors the SBA’s management, administration and practices, Altmire said. The subcommittee will work to improve the SBA’s $200 billion contracting, lending and entrepreneurial development programs.

“Small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them are the lifeblood of the American economy, accounting for 99 percent of our nation’s employers and 65 percent of new jobs, and the Small Business Administration plays a vital role in supporting and nurturing them,” Altmire said. “I look forward to working with small-business owners in western Pennsylvania to examine ways to bring more jobs and economic development to our vibrant region.”

Altmire, of McCandless, Pa., also serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Education and Labor Committee.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, received three subcommittee assignments. He will serve on financial institutions and consumer credit; domestic and international monetary policy, trade and technology; and housing and community opportunity.

Wilson said the subcommittee assignments “address the real issues working families face each day,” and he’ll “be able to focus on standing up for fair trade, fighting predatory lending and bringing attention to other important issues that will have a real impact on eastern Ohio.”

Wilson’s 12-county district includes all of Columbiana and a portion of Mahoning counties.