Heller gets Senate committee assignments

Newly sworn in Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., has received assignments to three committees.

Heller will serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as well as Commerce, Science and Transportation. He was also named to the special Committee on Aging.

"My top priorities in the U.S. Senate are economic growth and job creation and these committees will provide the platform to do this," he said.

He blamed high gas prices and "heavy-handed regulation" as hurting businesses in the U.S.

In addition, Heller said Energy and Natural Resources is important to Nevada since the state's lands are 85 percent federally controlled. He said his seat there gives Nevada an advocate in the debate over renewable energy development.

On the special Aging Committee, he said he will have a voice in the discussion of such programs as Medicare.

"Seniors on fixed incomes often face tough financial choices, especially in difficult economic times," he said.

He said he is committed to preserving Social Security and Medicare "and fulfilling the promises our nation has made to our aging population."