When Democrat Heath Shuler ran against long-time Rep. Charles Taylor, one of the knocks against the upstart challenger was the fact that he wouldn’t be able to bring home the bacon and that constituents would lose an influential voice in Congress – thanks to Taylor’s 16-year incumbency and his seats on various committees and subcommittees vital to local interests.
After a month in office, Shuler’s ability to direct appropriations to the district remains to be seen. But when it comes to vital assignments, Shuler seems to be doing fine in the new Democratic-controlled Congress.
Shuler’s latest posting: A seat on the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, an offshoot of the House’s Committee on Natural Resources. The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over issues relating to Native American tribes, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
I am “acutely aware of how important our national parks and lands are to the economy of the 11th District,” Shuler said in an e-mail to Xpress. “We generate millions of dollars each year through these assets, and we must make certain that pollution and development do not threaten this valuable economic engine.”
As for the Cherokee, Shuler added, “I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with many members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, and I look forward to working with Chief [Michell] Hicks and the Council to make certain their needs are met.”
The latest post is Shuler’s fourth. He also has been assigned seats on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business. Plus, he chairs the Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship within the Small Business Committee.
– Hal L. Millard, staff writer
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