Cuellar To Head Homeland Security Subcommittee

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo)  [release here] has been tapped by the Democratic Leadership in Congress to chair the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response of the Homeland Security Committee.

That’s a rare jump for a second term Congressman—especially one who came under fire from some Democrats last year for being too conservative.

It is a good sign, though, that the Leadership in Congress recognizes that more moderate Democrats like Cuellar need to be brought into the mix and utilized in areas where they have significant expertise:

“We are now the Democratic Party that believes in legislating and governing from the center,” Cuellar said, adding that his position is good for “San Antonio, Laredo and McAllen.”

Cuellar was selected by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chairman of the full Homeland Security Committee, which has oversight of investigations, spending authorization for ports, borders, infrastructure and federal agencies.

Thompson said Cuellar’s “leadership on the committee, balancing privacy protections as much as homeland protections, will be an invaluable asset.” Cuellar said the chairmanship is perfect for his U.S.-Mexico border district, where cooperation among emergency service providers and federal, state and local law enforcement is essential.

This position also gives Texas some unique clout in Homeland Security issues.