Blumenthal Joins Senate Commerce

Steering Committee makes assignments for new Congress

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/12/2012 5:26:40 PM

The Democratic Steering Committee Wednesday made its committee assignments, and Richard Blumenthal has been added to the Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC and other communications issues.

He replaces Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), cousin of National Association of Broadcasters president Gordon Smith, who moves to Appropriations.

"I'm excited to welcome Senator Blumenthal to the Commerce Committee," said Commerce chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) "He brings serious expertise as a former Connecticut Attorney General and he will strengthen this Committee, particularly in our efforts to protect consumers and bolster personal privacy. At the same time, I wish we could have kept all existing members. Senator Udall has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents and I deeply appreciate his major contributions to this Committee's successes. He remains a strong voice in the Senate for consumer protection and will no doubt continue to make an impact on these issues."