Tim Scott to lead Senate Committee on Aging, focusing on Protecting Seniors from Pandemic
Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was elected to be the Ranking Member for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging in the 117th Congress. Senator Scott will lead Republicans as they ensure seniors and their families have every tool at their disposal to get through the coronavirus pandemic and build a financially sustainable retirement.
“I am honored to have been chosen by my Republican colleagues to lead the Senate Special Committee on Aging,” said Senator Scott. “Our key priority will be ensuring that our seniors are vaccinated and protected from the coronavirus pandemic while also finding creative ways to make life better during one’s golden years, growing career opportunities for older Americans, and solidifying retirement security. Our nation’s seniors have built a strong foundation for our country and we must do everything we can to care for them.
“I am excited to announce two key hires for the committee: Neri Martinez as minority staff director and Sarah Khasawinah as minority deputy staff director. Both Neri and Sarah bring with them a wealth of experience and a love for policy. I look forward to their leadership as we work together for the advancement of our aging community.”
Neri Ann Martinez, MA will serve as the minority committee staff director. Martinez was previously the Chief of Staff for the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) serving the Honorable James E. Campos in his capacity as Director. She is fluent in Spanish and French. Martinez received her BBA from Florida International University (FIU) in International Business Honors and Political Science and a Global Masters of Arts at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She also holds a certificate from Cornell University on Diversity and Inclusion and an Executive Certificate from FIU on Cybersecurity Leadership.
Sarah Khasawinah, PhD, MHS will serve as the minority committee deputy staff director. Dr. Khasawinah previously was the deputy staff director on the Aging Committee for Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME), where she was responsible for overseeing legislative, budgetary, and oversight proposals to improve aging in America. Dr. Khasawinah holds a PhD in Mental Health and an MHS in Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University. She earned her undergraduate degrees summa cum laude in Mathematics and English from Bryn Mawr College, as well as a Master’s degree in Mathematics.
The following Republicans will serve alongside Lead Republican Scott on the Aging Committee: Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mike Lee (R-UT).
