Coats named chairman of US Senate Finance subcommittee

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Republican Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana has been named chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure for the 114th Congress.

Coats said Thursday that Indiana relies on energy and infrastructure for its manufacturing and transportation needs, and he plans to use the position to focus on expanding job opportunities.

In December, Coats became the first Indiana senator to serve on the panel since former Sen. Vance Hartke in 1976. In addition to serving on the Senate Finance Committee, Coats is also chairman-designate of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.