Washington, D.C. – Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about the appointment of Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to the House Armed Services Committee:

“I am pleased to welcome Congressman Jimmy Panetta as our newest member of the House Armed Services Committee,” said Smith. “He is an accomplished public servant and military veteran. I look forward to his contributions and insights as we work to advance the national security of the United States.”

“I am honored to be selected to serve on the House Armed Services Committee,” said Congressman Panetta. “The central coast of California is home to numerous military installations that teach foreign languages to our armed forces, research and develop our cybersecurity and technology used on and off the battlefield, and educate and foster leadership skills of the men and women in uniform. As an intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan, I experienced and understand how important those skills and qualities are to fulfilling the mission and bolstering our national security. I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues on HASC to maintain the military installations on the Central Coast, promote their educational training and technological innovation, and protect their nearly 15,000 good paying jobs that impact the economy of our communities and the safety of our country.”

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