JACKSON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., was appointed Thursday to committees dealing with military, trade and transportation and veterans issues.

Wicker will serve on the Armed Services Committee, the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Wicker, who was sworn in Tuesday, said he will work on national security issues and military programs important to communities all across Mississippi that support active duty, National Guard and Reserve installations and their hundreds of employees.

The appointments were announced by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Wicker was appointed to the Senate in December by Gov. Haley Barbour to succeed retired Sen. Trent Lott.

Wicker is a candidate in a special election to serve out the remainder of Lott’s term through 2012.

The Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over a range of programs, including the Coast Guard, transportation and infrastructure matters, and consumer safety.

The committee also oversees telecommunications issues.

The Veterans Affairs Committee oversees the various programs for the nation’s thousands of veterans, including the Department of Veteran Affairs and the operations of the VA Medical Centers across the country.