Miller, Kennedy Keep Committees' Gavels
The congressional committees with oversight of workplace safety and labor issues are keeping their chairmen in the 111th Congress, which convenes with a big agenda in January. U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., announced the Democratic Caucus had re-elected him and extended his congratulations to Kennedy, D-Mass., who recently returned to the Capitol after treatment for brain cancer.
"It is an honor and a privilege to continue to chair the Education and Labor Committee in the next Congress, and I thank my colleagues for their support," Miller's statement said. "If anything, this historic election reminded us that Americans from all regions, backgrounds, and political stripes are united in our shared hopes and aspirations: A quality, affordable education for our children; a good-paying job with decent benefits; and a secure retirement after a lifetime of hard work. In a nation as great as ours, these dreams can –- and must -– be achieved.
"I look forward to working with all members of this committee, the next Congress, and the new administration on a Main Street recovery plan that will revitalize our economy, and toward our larger goal of rebuilding and strengthening America's middle class. Like President-elect Obama, I'm confident we can reach this goal by working in a bipartisan way that transcends the politics of the past and by making sure that our government is open, accountable, and engages the public," he continued. "Moving forward, our committee will also build on our efforts to use innovative strategies to make sure that the voices of Americans around the country are heard here in Washington.
"I also know that no one is more excited about the opportunities before us than Senator Ted Kennedy. No one has fought harder for our children, workers and families than Ted, and no one could ask for a better partner in these challenging times. I am thrilled that he has returned to the Senate, and look forward to continuing to work closely with him on the important tasks that lie ahead."