About Chairman Buck McKeon

About Chairman Buck McKeon

U.S Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon is a champion of a strong national defense, the men and women of America's Armed Forces and their families, easing the nation's national debt, and returning fiscal discipline to the Department of Defense.

In June 2009, McKeon was named the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, and will serve as the committee's chairman in the 112th Congress.

As Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, McKeon fought to strengthen our military and invest in a force postured to meet the challenges of the 21st century, while working to provide the necessary resources for America's sons and daughters in Afghanistan and Iraq.  He also led efforts to keep terrorist detainees off of U.S. soil, boost funding for missile defense, and restore the tradition of passing defense authorization bills devoid of controversial social items.

Additionally, McKeon has worked tireslessly to bridge the gap between industry and military leaders in order to ensure that our warfighters on the ground continue to receive the support they need and deserve.

First elected in 1992, McKeon, a former small business owner, represents California's Twenty-Fifth Congressional District, which includes Fort Irwin, Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the Marine Mountain Warfare Training Center, the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, the Air Force’s Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate and Air Force Plant 42.

Before coming to Congress, McKeon served on the William S. Hart Union High School District Board of Trustees and ultimately served as the first mayor of the City of Santa Clarita.