As the Only Iraq War Veteran in Congress, Congressman-Elect Murphy Chosen to Serve on the Armed Services Committee

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman-elect Patrick Murphy (D-Levittown), who will represent Pennsylvania ’s 8th Congressional District in January, was chosen by Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives to serve on the powerful Armed Services Committee. Our national security is the greatest challenge we face today. That is why Democrats have put real security at home and overseas on top of the agenda for January. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman-elect Murphy will play a key role in setting policy for these and other critical issues. Having a voice on the Armed Services Committee is a big victory for Bucks County families.

“I am honored to have been selected by the congressional leadership to serve on the Armed Services Committee. I spent 13 years of my life in the Army and this is an opportunity for me to put my experience as a soldier to work, not just for veterans and their families, but for all of Pennsylvania ,” said Congressman-elect Murphy. “On Iraq , the president failed to create a strategy for success, the Republican Congress failed to hold him accountable and in the next Congress we will face important choices on how to change course. With my seat on the Armed Services Committee, Bucks County will play a key role in that debate.”

The Armed Services Committee will play a vital role in the next Congress as the war in Iraq continues without a strategy for success and as Democrats fight to hold the Bush administration accountable for their failures. By being chosen for this committee, Murphy will have a voice in determining our national security future. Murphy will serve under committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and is one of only eight freshmen to receive this assignment.

“As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I look forward to asking the tough questions of President Bush about his failed policy in Iraq , create a timeline to bring our troops home and help shape the Armed Forces best prepared to protect America in the war on terror. I am honored by my selection to this committee and look forward to fighting vigorously for the security of families here at home and our forces serving around the world,” added Murphy.

The Democratic Caucus is expected to vote in early January to make all committee appointments official.

To read more about the Armed Services Committee, please go to http://armedservices.house.gov/.

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For Immediate Release, December 12, 2006

Contact: Adam Abrams (202) 225-4276