Domenici, who is second-most senior Republican on the subcommittee, assumed the role—as a result of Senate Republican caucus rules—after Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) stepped aside as the subcommittee’s ranking member pending the resolution of a federal legal investigation.  The assignment was approved by the Senate Republican Caucus. 

“This subcommittee plays an important role in maintaining our understanding of the role of the federal government in responding and dealing with disaster situations, and I plan to ensure it continues,” said Domenici. 

The subcommittee has jurisdiction over federal disaster-related agencies and activities including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  

 The assignment adds to Domenici’s current committee leadership roles as ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, in addition to memberships on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Indian Affairs Committee and Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.