Musical Chairs

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) will replace the late Rep. Bill Young (R-FL) as chairman of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, according to a statement from the committee.

“Rodney is a thoughtful, steady, and strong leader, is staunchly dedicated to doing what is best for the country and his district, and has a determined focus that allows him to rise above politics to get things done,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-KY) said in a statement today. “He has an unwavering devotion to the safety and security of our nation, and to the care and protection of our men and women in uniform, and I know he will be a great leader of the defense subcommittee.”

Young, the former defense appropriations subcommittee chairman, served as a member of the House for nearly 43 years until his death on Oct. 18.

“Being an Appropriations Cardinal is an incredibly important job with great responsibility,” Rogers said in the statement. “Year after year, these subcommittee chairs are called on to do the tough work of funding the federal government, rooting out waste, making hard decisions on where and how to best use taxpayer dollars, and being responsible and pragmatic leaders who get the job done. I have full confidence that these new chairmen will meet these challenges -- and more -- as we face the difficult fiscal landscape ahead.”

Frelinghuysen was formerly chairman of the House Appropriations energy and water development subcommittee, a slot which will now be filled by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID).

Simpson's old job as chairman of the interior and environment appropriations subcommittee will now be occupied by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA).

The committee statement also noted that Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) will become chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on the legislative branch due to the retirement of Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-LA).