Bonsell named new Senate Armed Services Committee staff director

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) has named John Bonsell as majority staff director, according to a committee announcement.

Bonsell currently works at Science Applications International Corp. as vice president of government affairs. He previously served as the committee's minority staff director and has also served as Inhofe's deputy chief of staff, legislative director and military legislative assistant.

"I am pleased to announce John Bonsell as the new staff director for the committee," Inhofe said in a statement. "As a retired Army colonel with experience in both the government and private sector, John's knowledge and experience will be especially valuable as we address how to modernize and align our military to face the growing threats from China and Russia, while we continue to defend against rogue states and Islamic extremists."

Bonsell, who will join the committee Sept. 17, will succeed Chris Brose, who served as majority staff director for the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).