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McHugh Elected Republican Leader of House Armed Services Committee

Washington, Dec 10 -

Congressman John M. McHugh (NY-Pierrepont Manor) announced today that he has been elected Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee by the Republican Conference. Congressman McHugh will assume the position of Republican Leader of the Armed Services Committee when the new Congress convenes in January. Leaders are chosen on the basis of seniority and experience.



“I am deeply honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with the Republican Leadership of the House Armed Services Committee at such a critical time in our nation’s history. I understand the significant responsibility that this appointment bears, and I will strive to do my best every day on behalf of the brave men and women of our country’s Armed Forces and their families,” said Congressman McHugh. “As Ranking Member, I will fight to ensure that our service personnel have the best possible training, the most modern equipment and weapons systems, and the necessary resources to carry out their missions. The Republican Members of the Armed Services Committee – from the most junior to the most senior – have a tremendous amount of talent, and I know that experience will serve us well as we move ahead.



”I also want to extend my deep appreciation to Mac Thornberry and Roscoe Bartlett for the honorable campaigns they waged. Their friendship and leadership have been invaluable to the Committee over the years and we are deeply fortunate to have two such great leaders. I look forward to working with them both as we meet the challenges in the days ahead.”



Congressman McHugh has served on the Armed Services Committee since coming to Congress in 1993, and is currently Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee. Congressman McHugh also served as Chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee from 2001-2007 and Chairman of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Panel from 1995-2001. As Chairman and Ranking Member, Congressman McHugh has spearheaded issues such as fighting to increase Army and Marine Corps end-strength levels, increasing military personnel pay, safeguarding military retiree health care benefits, improving care for wounded warriors, and efforts to eliminate military personnel out-of-pocket housing costs. As Ranking Member of the full Armed Services Committee, Congressman McHugh will be responsible for leading the Republican agenda on the Committee. The Ranking Member slot was open with the retirement of Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), who, along with Congressman Jim Saxton (R-NJ), endorsed Congressman McHugh.