U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer has been named to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, according to the office of the 6th District Democrat.

Kilmer’s appointment to the House Armed Services Committee was confirmed on Friday.

“I am excited by the opportunity to serve on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee,” Kilmer said. “At a time when our nation’s employers are demanding higher skills – particularly in the arena of science and technology education – and at a time when our laboratories, colleges and universities are pioneering new innovations, this committee can have a real impact on improving our region’s competitiveness and on fostering economic growth for our entire country.”

“I look forward to having an active role in shaping our nation’s policies on innovation and research to help our employers compete and create more jobs here at home,” he said.

During his time as a Washington state senator, Kilmer served on both the Economic Development, Trade, and Innovation Committee and the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, where he worked on issues related to scientific research and innovation.