Appropriations Vice Chair

While all eyes were on the Senate Armed Services Committee during yesterday's hearing on former Sen. Chuck Hagel's (R-NE) nomination to become the next defense secretary, the House Appropriations Committee announced the names of its subcommittee vice chairs.

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) will serve as vice chairman of the defense subcommittee, taking over as chairman in the absence of current Chairman Bill Young (R-FL), according to a committee statement. Frelinghuysen replaces retired Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA).

"The Committee's Vice Chairs are a group of committed, knowledgeable Members, each with a deep understanding of the Appropriations process and a desire to get our federal budgets back into balance," Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) said in the statement, adding: "I expect they will serve capably and dutifully, playing a very important role in what will be a challenging but hopefully fruitful Appropriations year."