Intelligence Committee Chairman Silvestre Reyes (D-TX) announced subcommittee assignments earlier this week.

Thompson also will serve on the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Thompson's appointment to House Permanent Select Committee on Jan. 17.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counterintelligence, Thompson will direct all hearings, investigations and legislative initiatives under the subcommittee's jurisdiction.

In addition, the subcommittee will provide oversight to numerous programs within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and several Department of Defense intelligence activities.

"I am honored that my colleagues trust me to help ensure our nation has the best intelligence programs in the world and that we are using our capabilities effectively and responsibly," said Thompson.

Thompson said he's committed to using his new position to make intelligence “our nation's best weapon.”

Thompson, a Vietnam combat veteran, is a member of the Committee on Ways and Means in the 109th Congress, where he currently serves on the Health and Select Revenue Measures subcommittees.

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