Housekeeping

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) today introduced the members who will serve on the panel during the 112th Congress

At its first organizational meeting, the 62-member committee also approved rule changes and introduced new members from both parties. The committee includes 24 new Democrats and 12 new Republicans.

The panel also announced that a committee briefing discussing Defense Secretary Gates' efficiencies initiative is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, 2011, in 2118 Rayburn House Office Building. Whether Gates will be present is unclear, a panel spokesman said.

The committee also will hear briefings from the Pentagon's combatant commanders in closed sessions, the spokesman said. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25.