Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

Washington DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) was granted a waiver by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Wednesday evening to serve on the House Committee on Science. Since the first round of committee appointments a few weeks ago, Cardoza has actively sought a waiver to allow him to sit on a third committee, with Science among his top requests. Members are typically only given permission to sit on no more than two committees. Cardoza’s receiving three assignments early on in his first term is a reflection of the leadership’s faith in his ability to shape policy.

“I am pleased that my colleagues entrusted me to serve on three important committees, each of which presents unique opportunities for my district,” said Cardoza. “Serving on the Science committee will provide a platform to advocate for programs at UC Merced and for other educational opportunities throughout the Central Valley.”

In addition to investigating the causes of the loss of the Columbia Space Shuttle, this year the Science Committee intends to develop an energy bill focused on expanding the use of fuel cells. “I am particularly interested in this issue because I strongly believe that we need to work toward a national energy policy that is balanced and significantly decreases our dependence on foreign oil,” said Cardoza.

Cardoza will receive his subcommittee assignment for the Science Committee next Tuesday evening. Earlier this week, he was appointed to the following subcommittees for the House Committee on Agriculture: General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, Department Operations Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry and Livestock and Horticulture.

The full Democratic Caucus is expected to officially approve the recommendations of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in a standard procedural vote next week.