Press Release

The House Foreign Affairs Committee today selected Rep. Ami Bera (CA-07) to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation. Bera released the following statement.

"I am honored to chair the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation. Asia is one of the most important and consequential regions of the world and the United States has deep and enduring ties to the continent.

As Chair, I will work to ensure that the U.S. is utilizing all of our political, military, cultural, and economic tools to support our interests, and maintain and enhance U.S. commitments in Asia and the Pacific. The subcommittee will explore how effectively those tools are being used, including how to strengthen our allies and partners within the region. Finally, we need to remember that when we engage with the nations of Asia and the Pacific, our values and interests move hand-in-hand; countries which respect human rights and create space for civil and nongovernmental actors are those that prosper and guarantee long-term stability."

I look forward to working with Ranking Member Ted Yoho (FL-03) and my colleagues on the subcommittee to ensure a sustained U.S. strategy that helps foster a more stable, free, and open Asia."

Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) was voted to succeed Rep. Bera as Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Bera continued: "It was a tremendous privilege to serve as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. I'll continue to be a forceful advocate for smart and strong diplomacy and development, which includes supporting and strengthening the State Department, USAID, and our diplomats and career officials. I have full confidence that Rep. Castro will be an excellent Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee moving forward."

In addition to its regional jurisdiction, the subcommittee will provide critical oversight of U.S. nonproliferation policy and will work to prevent the spread of dangerous nuclear and missile technologies, including: nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction.

Bera also serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea and previously chaired the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.