"In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we know that we have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the Nation is prepared to respond to all catastrophic events, whether terrorist attacks or natural disasters," King said. "This Committee has an important mission to protect all Americans, and I am honored to serve as its Chairman."
King, who previously led the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology, is serving his seventh term representing New York's Third District. He replaces former Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA), who left Congress in July to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission.
During its meeting on Sept. 14, the House Steering Committee also nominated Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), to fill the Committee vacancy. A former Florida State Senator, Brown-Waite is a second-term Member representing Florida's Fifth District. She also serves on the Veterans Affairs and Financial Services Committees.
"I look forward to working with Congresswoman Brown-Waite, who is from Florida and has gained extensive disaster preparedness and response experience," King said. "I am confident that she will be an asset to the Committee as we continue to work to secure the Nation."
