New legislative director for John Ensign

Thomas Jones, a Republican staff member on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, will become legislative director to Sen. John Ensign, the Nevada Republican said.

Jones is wrapping up an assignment to the aviation subcommittee. He also has worked on subcommittees dealing with trade and tourism and disaster-related issues. A Baltimore native, Jones also has worked on the staff of Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C..

"Tom comes to my office with expert knowledge of parliamentary procedure and a staunch conservative background that has been developed through several years of Hill experience," Ensign said.

"As I have stated throughout this past year, I am very concerned about the direction of our country, and I truly believe that we only have four or five years to turn the United States around," Ensign said. "Tom shares this fear and my vision for a new path forward for both the state of Nevada and our country."

Jones becomes Ensign's chief adviser of legislation and policy issues. He fills the position vacated by longtime Ensign adviser Pam Thiessen, whose departure was announced last month. Thiessen is becoming legislative director for Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.