Rep. Mary Bono Back To Head House Energy And Commerce Subcommittee

As the first Republican woman to head a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, Mary Bono Mack already knows where her priorities lie.

“I will work with (committee) Chairman (Fred) Upton and my colleagues towards an era of less government and more economic certainty — fostering growth for the American economy,” she said upon receiving the assignment Thursday.

The Palm Springs Republican added that she looked forward to being “on the front lines of identifying wasteful programs, burdensome regulations and targeting areas to immediately cut federal spending.”

Upton, a Republican from Michigan, called Bono Mack a “thoughtful, diligent” member. She has served on the committee since 2001.

“As (subcommittee) chairwoman, Mary will play a critical role as we fight to protect American jobs and turn our economy back around,” Upton wrote.

Bono Mack was first elected to Congress in 1998 to take over the seat held by her husband, singer Sonny Bono, who died in a skiing accident. She married another member of Congress, Republican Connie Mack of Florida, and won re-election Nov. 2