Florida Senator Marco Rubio was sworn in to his second term this week. With that, came new responsibilities like joining two new committees and leaving the committee on commerce, science, and transportation, which included oversight on issues involving space.

Retaining his seat in the committee on Foreign Relations, the select committee on Intelligence, and the committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Rubio has also joined the appropriations committee and the special committee on aging.

In a statement, Senator Rubio said he looks forward to continuing his work on the foreign relations and intelligence committees to combat the  “many threats to America’s national security.” Rubio also added that “In the days and weeks ahead, we must reestablish America’s moral standing in the world, and make it absolutely clear that the United States will remain a true friend of Israel and a beacon of hope and freedom to oppressed people everywhere. The challenges posed by countries like Cuba, Iran, Russia, China and North Korea will require decisive American leadership and resolve.”

Speaking on domestic issues that need to be tackled, he explained that “We also have a lot of work to do here at home. Too many Americans have been left behind in the 21st century economy, and there is real anxiety among parents that their children will not have the same opportunities they had to work hard, pursue the American Dream, and climb the economic ladder. That’s not acceptable, and I’m going to work with anyone who wants to find real solutions for workers and their families. Of course, a key factor in growing our economy from the bottom up is our small businesses, and I’ll continue to collaborate closely with Florida job creators during my work on the small business committee.”

In addition, he commented that the rising debt “will cost us jobs and hamstring our economy.”

“With federal spending at record highs, our national debt has nearly doubled over the last eight years, despite the fact that government is taking in more tax revenue than ever before. The primary drivers of this unsustainable imbalance are our entitlement programs. More and more people are retiring, and while sunny Florida hopes to welcome them all, the rising number of retirees means we’re going to have to find ways to make Medicare and Social Security work better for everyone, so that people like my mother can continue to rely on these important programs and they are still there when our children need them. The committees on aging and appropriations will be at the center of these policy discussions, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to go to work for the people of Florida on these committees.”