Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas was re-elected this week by the House Republican Steering Committee to be the ranking minority leader on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology for the 117th Congress.
The committee has jurisdiction over such government programs as NASA, NOAA, the EPA and the Department of Energy.
““This is a crucial time for America’s scientific and technological progress. We’re facing a growing threat from China, which seeks to outpace us through whatever means necessary, and we have a responsibility to protect taxpayer-funded research from foreign theft.,” said Rep. Lucas in a statement issued by his office.
“There has never been a more exciting time for science in America, and I’m eager to work with my colleagues to support our research enterprise,” he added.
Oklahoma Rep. Kendra Horn, a Democrat is also a member of the committee. It is unclear who might replace her since her November re-election loss to Republican Stephanie Bice.
The Steering committee chose Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman to be the minority leader on the House Natural Resources Committee. Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern is a member of the committee.
Westerman is the Yale-educated forester who unveiled a bill last year to combat climate change by planting one trillion trees by 2050.