(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., AP) — Missouri’s newest congressman has been appointed to the U.S. House committees on natural resources and the judiciary.

Republican Jason Smith, of Salem, won a special election June 4 in southeast Missouri’s 8th Congressional District. He replaces Jo Ann Emerson, who resigned in January to become head of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Smith will turn 33 on Sunday. He’s an attorney and partner in a real estate business and also owns a family farm.

He says the Judiciary Committee will address key issues facing the country, such as immigration and government surveillance.

Smith also says the Natural Resources Committee addresses issues important to his district, which is home to the Mark Twain National Forest and National Scenic Riverways. He says he will work to protect private property rights.