Gilchrest wins selection to Marine, Science panels

WASHINGTON -- Representative Wayne T. Gilchrest, R-Md.-1st, was chosen by his Republican colleagues yesterday to serve on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries and the Science, Space and Technology committees.

The House Republican Committee on Committees made the selections, which still must be endorsed later this month by House Republicans.

The Merchant Marine committee was one of Mr. Gilchrest's top choices, along with the Armed Services Committee, although he fell short of gaining a spot on that coveted committee. Roy P. Dyson, who was defeated by Mr. Gilchrest in November, had been a member of both panels.

"I'm very pleased," said Mr. Gilchrest, noting that his committee assignments would be "very useful" to the district. The congressman said he hopes to use his position on the Merchant Marine committee to delve into issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay.

And as a member of the Science committee, he hopes to study how defense technology can be adapted to the private sector.

Mr. Gilchrest will join Representative Helen Delich Bentley, R-Md.-2nd, on the Merchant Marine Committee and Representative Tom McMillen, D-Md.-4th, on the Science, Space and Technology Committee.