Committee Assignments

Committees

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

"Under their leadership, the Committee is composed of 6 Subcommittees, which together oversee for the vast range of issues under its jurisdiction. These issues range from communications, highways, aviation, rail, shipping, transportation security, merchant marine, the Coast Guard, oceans, fisheries, climate change, disasters, science, space, interstate commerce, tourism, consumer issues, economic development, technology, competitiveness, product safety, and insurance."

Senator Ron Johnson serves as a member on this committee. Being a member on this committee is very beneficial to Senator Johnson due to the fact that commerce, science, and transportation are very vast categories which gives this committee a broad jurisdiction. It also serves as a opportunity to credit claim as commerce includes many things one of which is farming. Seeing that Wisconsin has a large number of farms, Senator Johnson could use his power in the committee to pass bills that would benefit Wisconsin and thus help his chances for re-election.

Ron Johnson is on four of the subcommittees under this committee's jurisdiction:

• Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
• Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet
• Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
• Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security

Committee on Foreign affairs

"The Senate Foreign Relations Committee was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate. Throughout its history, the committee has been instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy. The committee has considered, debated, and reported important treaties and legislation, ranging from the purchase of Alaska in 1867 to the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. It also holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations. Through these powers, the committee has helped shape foreign policy of broad significance, in matters of war and peace and international relations."

 The world is constantly changing and our relationship with the various countries is always a matter of importance and discussion. A place on this committee allows senators an opportunity to help in the debate of which steps the United States will take in order to tackle the pressing matters of the international community. It also allows for a chance to credit claim as the issues discussed in the committee are usually covered by the media and are of great interest to the general public.

Ron Johnson is on four of the subcommittees found under this jurisdiction:

• Subcommittee on European and Regional Security Cooperation (Chairman)
• Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism
• Subcommittee on East Asian, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy
• Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs - chairman

"The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) is the Senate’s primary oversight committee with broad jurisdiction over government operations generally and the Department of Homeland Security in particular. Its primary responsibilities are to study the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of all agencies and departments of the federal government; evaluate the effects of laws enacted to reorganize the legislative and executive branches of government; and study the intergovernmental relationships between the U.S. and states and municipalities, and between the U.S. and international organizations of which the U.S. is a member."

Ron Johnson is currently a member on three of the subcommittees:

• Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management
• Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
• Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management

Committee on the Budget

"The Budget Committee is one of the Senate’s newer committees, having been created by the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. While the Committee has seen its duties and functions change over the years due to the enactment of new laws and changes to Senate rules, the Committee remains responsible for drafting Congress’ annual budget plan and for monitoring the federal budget."

Serving on this committee is beneficial for Senator Johnson as its subject matter is always important to the general public. Helping decided how the budget will be spent gives these members an advantage on being able to pass legislation that will benefit their constituents. 

There are no subcommittees for this area.

Current Legislation before the committees

Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

• S. 808 - the Surface Transportation Board Re-authorization Act of 2015 
• S. 808 expands successful voluntary arbitration procedures between rail carriers and thier customers to resolve rate cases faster and at less cost.

 Committee on Foreign Affairs

•  S.RES.47 - An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

• S.874 - A bill to restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia.

 

Committee on the Budget

• Sanders Amendment 881 - To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund relating to promoting a substantial increase in the minimum wage. (Failed 48-52)
• Wyden Tax Relief Amendment 968 - To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fun relating to middle class tax relief. (Passed 73-27).