Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced on Mar. 27 that Senator Jon Husted will join the committee after Senator Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
The appointment is significant because the Senate Appropriations Committee oversees federal expenditures as mandated by law and ensures accountability in public money management, according to the official website. The committee manages legislation related to federal funding, conducts hearings on spending proposals, and oversees government programs.
Husted will serve on several subcommittees: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Legislative Branch; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. In addition to Husted’s appointment, Senator Deb Fischer will become Chair of the Legislative Branch subcommittee. This subcommittee is responsible for overseeing funding for operations such as the Senate itself as well as agencies like Capitol Police and Library of Congress.
The authority for appropriations comes from the U.S. Constitution which states that funds can only be drawn from the treasury through laws made by Congress according to the official website. The committee has historically influenced federal spending through its oversight work on budgets covering a range of issues including trade and international affairs according to the official website. Lot Morrill of Maine served as one of its early chairmen according to the official website.
The committee is also known for producing major appropriations bills such as those funding homeland security according to the official website. The changes in membership come at a time when appropriators are preparing for upcoming budget negotiations.
