Chairman Durbin

By Christopher J. Castelli / January 25, 2013 at 6:40 PM

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate's assistant majority leader, announced today that he will become the chairman of the Senate Appropriations defense subcommittee when the panel organizes early next month.

“I look forward to the Chairmanship of this critical Subcommittee,” Durbin said in a statement. “As we wind down the war in Afghanistan, face upcoming budget cuts, and work to prepare our military for future threats, this Subcommittee will focus on ensuring our military remains the most powerful, ready and capable force in the world. We will also work tirelessly to ensure we’re spending wisely, protecting taxpayers and planning well for the future needs. And as has always been the case, the needs of all our servicemembers - active duty and reserve; in theater or here at home – will be our first concern. I thank Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, Senator Mikulski, for this opportunity and look forward to working with her and Ranking Member Cochran on these important issues.”

As the chair of the panel, Durbin will succeed the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI), who died last month at the age of 88.

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