U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) has been appointed chairwoman of the newly established House Civil Rights and Human Services subcommittee of the US House Education and Workforce Committee.

The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes policies on civil rights, equal employment opportunities and human services programs such as foster care, nutrition programs, the Older Americans Act.

 “It is an honor to be elected as Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services,” said Bonamici in her statement addressing the appointment. “Public education can help break the cycle of poverty, and I will do all I can to expand opportunities for people of all backgrounds, especially for students of color who continue to face disparate outcomes in our education system.”

In addition to serving as Chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services, Bonamici will also serve as a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee and continue her service on the House Science Committee.