Heck gets committee assignments

WASHINGTON -- Nevada Rep.-elect Joe Heck has been placed on House committees dealing with intelligence-gathering, homeland security and education and labor matters, his office said Friday.

The assignments for the upcoming Congress fulfilled Heck's request to serve on the House Homeland Security Committee, and the House Education and Labor Committee, according to spokeswoman Mari Nakashima.

The incoming Republican freshman had sought the education and labor committee to have a voice on learning and work force issues that have assumed prominence as Nevada deals with economic recession.

In seeking a seat on the homeland security panel, Heck cited his background as an Army reservist and the owner of a small medical operations company that focused on emergency preparedness.

Nakashima added Heck was pleasantly surprised to be appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. There are presently no freshmen serving on the committee.

Heck's committee assignments come as he continues to form his staff for the session that will begin in January. Heck's newly hired chief of staff is Greg Facchiano, a 10-year Capitol Hill veteran who most recently worked as legislative director for Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev.