Gillibrand, Kirsten E.

Kirsten Gillibrand serves as the junior United States senator from New York and holds the position of ranking member on the Senate Special Committee on Aging. As ranking member, she leads the Democratic opposition on the committee, which oversees federal policies affecting older Americans. This role gives her significant influence over the committee's investigative priorities, hearing schedule, and legislative direction on aging-related issues, though the majority party controls the final agenda. Gillibrand also serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Armed Services Committee, and Select Committee on Intelligence, positioning her across multiple areas of federal oversight.

Gillibrand's background uniquely equips her for her committee responsibilities. She earned her law degree from UCLA and spent years in private practice at prominent Manhattan law firms, including Davis Polk & Wardwell and Boies, Schiller & Flexner, where she developed expertise in complex litigation and regulatory matters. Early in her career, she also served as Special Counsel to HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo, gaining government experience. Beyond her legal training, she has built a legislative record focused on vulnerable populations, including work on housing safety and support for abused women and children through pro bono cases.

During her Senate tenure, Gillibrand has championed legislation addressing military sexual assault, gun trafficking, 9/11 health care, toxic burn pit exposure, and paid family leave. Her committee work reflects these priorities, particularly her focus on issues affecting military personnel and their families through her Armed Services Committee membership. She has also advocated for stock trading restrictions among members of Congress and supported the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Her legislative approach combines advocacy for specific constituencies with broader government accountability measures, establishing her as an active voice in Senate committees where much of Congress's substantive work occurs.