Sherman Assigned to 2 Committees

Brad Sherman, a Democratic congressman-elect who will represent Thousand Oaks, announced Thursday that he has been assigned seats on the House Budget Committee and the Committee on International Relations.

Sherman, who was elected to replace retiring Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills), said he was delighted by his assignments to committees that handle such weighty issues.

“I think the chance of being on the committee that is going to try to balance the budget is a tremendous opportunity,” Sherman said.

As for his other assignment, he said it gives him a chance to work on foreign affairs issues he holds close to his heart.

“I have a strong interest in America’s relationship in Israel and the success of the Republic of Armenia,” Sherman said.

Sherman, a tax expert and member of the state Board of Equalization, made an unsuccessful pitch for a spot on the Ways and Means Committee. No freshmen Democrats landed a seat on that powerful committee that oversees the nation’s tax laws.

“If I had never heard of the seniority system, I would have been disappointed,” Sherman said. “I made a play for it, so people know that’s what I want when I’m a more senior member.”

When he takes his oath of office in January, Sherman will represent the 24th Congressional District that stretches from Thousand Oaks to Van Nuys and Malibu.