WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-WA) today issued the following statement in reaction to the recent announcement that Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-TX) will retire at the end of the 116th Congress following more than two decades of service in Congress:

“Congressman Thornberry has served his constituents faithfully for more than 20 years and his retirement is a loss for the Congress.

“I have known Mac since I first came to Congress in 1997 and have always been impressed by his intelligence and tenacity. Since then we have worked together on all manner of national security issues as members of the House Armed Services Committee. Thanks to Mac’s leadership, during the 115th Congress we focused on acquisition reform and accountability at the Pentagon. Together we have passed smart reforms that give our men and women in uniform the resources they need to make our country safer.

“While Mac’s service in Congress will soon come to an end, I am sure his service to our nation will not. I am glad to have counted him a colleague and will always call him a friend.”

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