By The Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 9:18 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

JOHNSTOWN — Freshman U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus' first committee assignments are in areas where the Sewickley resident has years of firsthand experience.

On Monday, the Republican from the 12th district said he has been placed on the House's Committees on Homeland Security and the Judiciary. Rothfus, a Notre Dame Law School graduate and attorney, worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2006 and 2007.

“These important assignments will provide opportunities to make the voices and interests of western Pennsylvanians heard in our nation's capital,” Rothfus said. “I will stand with hardworking taxpayers and small-business owners by working to improve the efficiency of our government, lift unnecessary government regulations, protect our nation and improve conditions that provide for freedom and economic growth in America.”

He will serve on three Judiciary subcommittees: Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet; Constitution and Civil Justice; and Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law.

“I am pleased that Congressman Rothfus will be serving on three very important subcommittees at the Judiciary Committee,” said Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va. “The committee has wide-ranging jurisdiction and will certainly be at the forefront of many of the most important issues of the day. Congressman Rothfus, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, will play a critical role in helping to advance policies that make America more competitive and free.”

On Homeland Security, Rothfus has joined the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies along with the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.

“(Rep. Rothfus) shares my commitment to ensuring the Department of Homeland Security is capable of carrying out its core mission of protecting the homeland, and I look forward to working with him to oversee DHS in order to improve both security and fiscal accountability,” said Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas.

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