Kaine appointed subcommittee chairman

Sen. Tim Kaine has been appointed Chairman of Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Middle East.

According to Sen. Kaine’s office, the subcommittee will handle matters concerning U.S. relations with countries of the Middle East as well as Arab North Africa and countries in South and Central Asia.

“I am honored to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs,” Kaine said of the appointment. “The important region from Morocco to Pakistan includes many of America's strongest allies as well as some of the world's toughest challenges. My recent trip to the Middle East and Afghanistan deepened my understanding of issues in the region and I look forward to working with Chairman Menendez, Ranking Member Corker and my committee colleagues to promote the American values of democracy and tolerance.”

Kaine recently spent the Fourth of July holiday in Afghanistan visiting troops.

Additionally, Kaine serves on the International Development and Foreign Assistance; Western Hemisphere and Global Narcotics Affairs and the International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democrazy and Global Women’s Issues subcommittees.

Kaine was previously chairman of the International Development subcommittee.

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