Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about the announced departure of Committee Staff Director Robert Simmons:

“For 12 years, Bob Simmons has rendered an essential service to our country as the staff director of the House Armed Services Committee. He has made countless vital contributions to our country’s defense. We will be sorry to see him go and I wish him well in his next endeavors.

“I would also like to express my confidence in the leadership abilities of Jenness Simler, who will be acting as staff director. She is an extremely capable patriot who will ensure that we continue to do our vital work in the times ahead.”

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