U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., received his committee assignments in the Senate on Tuesday - posts that will help him shape policy on health care, homeland security, banking and programs affecting senior citizens.

One of Jones' top priorities during the campaign was renewing funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which provides health care to 83,000 Alabama children. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee - one of Jones' four assignments - has jurisdiction over the program.

"It is a tremendous honor to be given the opportunity to serve on these four important Senate committees," Jones said in a statement. "These assignments provide me with an avenue to begin working for the people of Alabama on issues such as creating long-term funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program and ensuring our nation's safety from those who would do us harm. I am also looking forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to protect programs that our seniors and middle-class Americans depend on."

Jones was also placed on the Senate Banking Committee, where he'll serve with his home state counterpart, Sen. Richard Shelby. Shelby was a former chairman of the committee.

Alabama's newest senator was also assigned to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

Jones is the lowest-ranking senator in terms of seniority. He was sworn-in on Jan. 3 at the same time as new Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith. Smith is above Jones in seniority because Minnesota has a higher state population (21st out of 50) than Alabama (23rd out of 50.)