WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) today received committee assignments for his first term, which include seats on the Judiciary; Energy and Natural Resources; Foreign Relations; and Joint Economic committees.

“I’m thrilled about these committee assignments and look forward to having an active role in each. These seats will allow me to work on issues that are crucial to the Utah delegation, as well as the country as a whole. It’s time for the real work to begin.”

Serving on the Energy and Natural Resources committee has been of particular interest to Senator Lee, Energy and Natural Resources committee, which will enable him to focus on freeing up federal lands for economic uses to create jobs, encourage economic growth and lead the U.S. towards energy independence. The Senator also plans to work towards creating greater certainty for regulations and bringing the lands under more local control.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is chaired by Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VA), and is responsible for holding hearings prior to the Senate votes on confirmation of federal judges. Senator Lee’s background in Constitutional law and his time serving as Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s law clerk have well-prepared him for this assignment.

The Foreign Relations Committee is chaired by Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and addresses issues of national security, U.S. boundaries, as well as foreign, economic, military, technical and humanitarian assistance.

The Joint Economic Committee is lead by Congresswoman Maloney (D-NY), and is a bicameral committee composed of 10 members from the Senate, and ten from the House of Representatives. The committee provides continuous attention to matters relating to the U.S. economy.

The Senate is divided into twenty committees to accommodate for the high volume and complexity of the legislation at hand. Committee assignments are made by senior party members.