WASHINGTON -- Congressman Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, has been appointed to the subcommittees on Defense and Homeland Security, as part of his membership on the House Appropriations Committee.

“As a veteran, I’m proud to serve on the Defense Subcommittee to help ensure that men and women in the field have everything they need and installations like Fort Drum are fully prepared to train the next generation of soldiers,” said Owens.

“Moreover, as co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, I look forward to serving on the Homeland Security Subcommittee to further facilitate the movement of people and goods between New York and Canada.”

The Appropriations Committee exercises authority over federal spending.

The Defense Subcommittee has jurisdiction over spending for the army, navy, air force, the office of secretary of defense, various defense agencies and the intelligence community. This includes much of the spending at military installations like Fort Drum as well as department-wide activities within the army.

The Homeland Security Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security, as well as associated agencies like customs and border patrol.

“I look forward to the good work we can do to help create jobs while finding responsible cuts that will put America back on track towards fiscal responsibility,” said Owens.