Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement after the House Republican Conference selected Congressman John McHugh (R-NY) to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee:

 “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 Fort 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.” 

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