Western New York's new representative on Capitol Hill has received his committee assignments. That include chairing a House subcommittee, which is rare for a freshman lawmaker. For the 113th Congress, which starts in earnest January 14, Rep. Chris Collins will serve as Chairman of the Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology.
Collins tells WBFO News he is pleasantly surprised.
"I'm very humbled and honored to have been asked to chair that subcommittee," said Collins.
The Clarence Republican said the panel is charged with looking at the healthcare costs of small business and in particular the impact of the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare", on small business.
"Most job creation now is coming from small businesses. And having hearings and listening to that input can perhaps show us some areas where we can get agreement that is not political in nature, but common sense solutions," said Collins.
Collins said he thinks his 35 years in the private sector and four years as CEO of the largest County in Upstate New York played a role in his appointments. He'll also be serving on the House Agriculture Committee.