Ehrlich on Washington column, December 14, 1998

SEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Week of December 14, 1998 WORKING ON NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES FOR MARYLANDERS One of the most important responsibilities afforded to members of Congress is service on Committees and Subcommittees. Legislative Committees fulfill two critical governing functions. First, when bills and resolutions are sponsored by members of Congress, these legislative measures are assigned to the Committee with jurisdiction for the purpose of conducting hearings and considering its merits. Second, as part of the Constitution’s requirement of “checks and balances” among the three branches of government, Committees are responsible for oversight of executive branch operations and programs. During the 105th Congress, I have had the privilege of serving on the House Budget, and Banking and Financial Services Committees. Amidst the very positive changes in the Republican House leadership team, I am pleased to announce my appointment to a new Committee assignment -- the House National Security Committee — which oversees all aspects of our national defense. This new Committee assignment will support my efforts to help Maryland with respect to three areas of national security. First, our state is home to a very large civilian and military employee population. The annual authorization of military policies relating to military readiness and personnel by the House National Security Committee affect all military personnel — active, reserve, and retired —