Austin, Texas – Speaker Joe Straus has announced House committee assignments for the 85th Legislative Session. Representative Dade Phelan will be Vice-Chair of Natural Resources and serve on Appropriations, Calendars and the Select Committee on Texas Ports, Innovation & Infrastructure.

The Natural Resources committee has jurisdiction over the development of land and the use, appropriation and allocation of all state water. Representative Phelan has a solid background in water issues having served nine years on the Lower Neches Valley Authority. He was also recently appointed to the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee.

Phelan will again serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for formulating the state’s biennial budget.

The Calendars Committee controls the flow of legislation on the House floor and is considered the most influential committee in the Legislature.

The Select Committee on Texas Ports, Innovation & Infrastructure will review all Texas ports, including inland and border ports of entry. The committee will analyze global trade landscapes, identify the challenges facing the state’s infrastructure and propose innovative solutions to address the various needs.

“I am grateful for the opportunities Speaker Straus has afforded myself and the people of Southeast Texas.” Phelan continued, “House District 21 will be well represented on the committees most vital to our area. In his appointments, the Speaker has again demonstrated his respect and support for all of rural Texas”.