WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced that U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) will be the Ranking Member on the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism. Murphy will also join the Subcommittee on State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development, and will continue to oversee European affairs as a member of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.

As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, Murphy will oversee all matters concerning U.S. relations with the countries of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia, as well as regional intergovernmental organizations, and will also be responsible for reviewing global counterterrorism matters. This powerful subcommittee has jurisdiction over the wind down of the Afghanistan War, the fight against ISIL, nuclear negotiations with Iran, and the Middle East peace process.

“It’s quite an honor to become Ranking Member of the Middle East subcommittee. With a war raging against ISIL, nuclear negotiations with Iran coming to a head, and the Afghanistan War winding down, this is without doubt the busiest subcommittee on the Foreign Relations Committee. As my colleagues know, I have strong views on how we can best confront radical Islamic groups while not repeating the mistakes of the last fifteen years. I also look forward to working across the aisle to continue to support our sacred ally Israel as it faces unprecedented threats and instability along its borders. I look forward to working with Chairman Risch to provide strong, constant oversight over the Administration's myriad of initiatives in the region."

"It was also important to me that I retain membership on the Europe subcommittee. Last Congress, as Chairman, I focused on strengthening opportunities for Connecticut manufacturers to export their goods to European nations. I am going to continue to use my position on this committee to fight for the expanded ability of Connecticut businesses to sell their products in Europe and beyond.”