Menendez Slated To Join Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Will Work With Democratic Majority For New Course In Iraq

Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today was tapped to join the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when the new Congress convenes in January, a position the lawmaker said he would use to advocate a new Iraq policy. Menendez said the American people have demanded a new course for the war in Iraq and he anticipates working on the Foreign Relations Committee to help chart that course.

The American people spoke in a loud, unequivocal voice on Americas foreign policy and specifically on the war in Iraq we urgently need a course correction, Menendez said. After billions in national treasure spent, thousands of American troops wounded, and over 2,800 who have made the ultimate sacrifice, it is now clear that we must transition our troops out of Iraq. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to advocate a sound, strong foreign policy that will continue an aggressive war against terrorists while redeploying our troops in Iraq.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee has jurisdiction over matters relating to U.S. national security policy, foreign policy, as well as international economic policy as it impacts Americas foreign relations. In addition to jurisdiction over foreign policy, the Foreign Relations Committee has oversight on international treaties, U.S. participation in the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, as well as U.N. membership and the U.S. diplomatic service. The anticipated committee assignments are temporary until finalized by the incoming Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.

As required by Senate rules, incoming Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) will meet with the incoming Senate Republican Leader to negotiate and finalize the composition of each committee. Aside from the Foreign Relations Committee, which would gain one Democrat and one Republican under this anticipated plan, the number of Senators placed on each committee reflects the committee make-up agreed to in the 108th Congress, the last time there was a 51-49 Senate.

Menendez will continue to serve on the Senate committees to which he is currently assigned including Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Budget; as well as Energy and Natural Resources.