Loyal Opposition

The House Republican Conference today selected Rep. John McHugh (R-NY) to serve as the House Armed Services Committee's ranking member in next year's Congress. In a statement, panel Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) said the move was a good one:

My congratulations go to Congressman John McHugh of New York on his election as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee. While we have served together in the House and on this committee for many years, I look forward to working even more closely with Congressman McHugh in the days ahead.

Congressman McHugh is a strong advocate for the soldiers of Ft. Drum and for all of our military services. His experience dealing with critical defense issues, particularly military personnel issues, will serve him, our committee, and our country well. I am confident that Ranking Member McHugh will join me in continuing our committee's long-standing tradition of bipartisan cooperation to support U.S. service members and to protect America's national security interests at home and abroad.

UPDATE: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), the current ranking member who will retire from Congress in January, also released a statement:

John McHugh brings a great intellect and strong leadership capabilities to the position of the Ranking Member. The Republican leadership of the Armed Services Committee could not be in better hands.