Washington, DC- This week, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) was named to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence by the Democratic Leader of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

“I am honored to be selected by our Democratic Leader to serve on the distinguished House Select Committee on Intelligence and I know that Alabama and this country will benefit from the important national security work that this Committee does to protect our nation,” said Rep. Sewell.

Former Alabama Congressman Bud Cramer, who served on the House Intel Committee said, “It is an honor to have Alabama’s own Congresswoman Terri Sewell be chosen to serve on this Committee. Alabama has a huge stake in defense, aerospace and intelligence budgets and will greatly benefit from this appointment. In this position, Congresswoman Sewell will have the opportunity to take Alabama’s issues to the intelligence agency leaders and will be able to represent the men and women who are serving this country in harm’s way. Alabama needs to be represented and I applaud the House Leadership for choosing her.”

Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) said, “Congresswoman Sewell is an energetic, smart, hard-working member with a passion to do what is right for her constituents and for her country. She hails from Alabama, one of the homes of the space industry, and a big priority for me on the House Intelligence Committee. I look forward to working with her in the coming days.”

Background on House Intelligence Committee

The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence is composed of members selected by the Speaker and Democratic Leader. It provides policy guidance and funding levels for the Intelligence Community. As one of the architects of U.S. intelligence strategy, the Committee is the House of Representatives key link to the Director of National Intelligence and the 17 agencies that constitute the Intelligence Community.

The defense, homeland security and intelligence industries have a strong presence in Alabama.  The state serves as a regional hub for the National Security sector with installations in Huntsville, Anniston, Montgomery and the Wiregrass. The State of Alabama is home to universities that are federally recognized leaders in the cyber security field with application for both the military and civilian companies. Alabama is also home to Boeing, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other numerous defense contractors and aerospace research companies, which support thousands of jobs for citizens throughout the state and serve as a valuable source for economic stimulus.

Rep. Sewell also serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. She will serve on both committees in the 113th Congress.

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Contact: Rob NeSmith;       rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov;        202.225.2665