Blumenthal joins Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is joining the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Democratic leaders announced on Wednesday.

Blumenthal, who was elected in 2010, will join Democratic roster on the panel after a vote of the Democratic Steering Committee. Other returning Democrats on the panel will include Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.); Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii); John Kerry (D-Mass.); Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.); Bill Nelson (D-Fla.); Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.); Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.);  Mark Pryor (D-Ark.); Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.); Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he is "excited to work with the members of our expanded majority."

"Our caucus is more diverse than ever, with a record sixteen female Democratic senators serving in the next Congress,” Reid said in a statement announcing the Democratic committee assignments.

“These committee assignments will allow all members of our caucus to bring their unique talents and expertise to bear as we work together to advance the interests of the middle class,” he continued.

The Democratic roster on the Senate Environment and Public Works will remain the same in the 113th Congress. The panel will continued to be chaired by Sen. Boxer.

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