Randy Forbes Named Chairman of Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) was appointed Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Readiness Subcommittee for the 112th Congress by full Committee Chairman-elect Howard P. “Buck” McKeon. As is the normal practice for the committee, the subcommittee structure and jurisdictions will be ratified as part of the committee rules during a full House Armed Services Committee organizational meeting in January.

“Congressman Forbes has been an integral member of our team at the Armed Services Committee. Randy has always placed the well being of our nation's men and women in uniform above all other priorities, and I'm confident his commitment to those brave troops will continue once he takes over the reins of the Readiness Subcommittee,” said Chairman-elect McKeon.

Congressman Forbes has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee since taking office in 2001 and served as Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee from 2008-2010 during the 110th and 111th Congresses. On the full committee, Congressman Forbes has worked to provide the military with the tools necessary to best defend the United States while ensuring that service members and their families receive the training and support necessary to best complete their mission.

As Ranking Member of the Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee, Congressman Forbes has been instrumental in calling attention to a trend of secrecy sweeping the Pentagon, including “gag orders” that were issued to senior defense officials in 2009 preventing them from expressing their opinions to Congress about the defense budget process. He has made it a priority to ensure that defense dollars are being spent based on defense strategy rather than budget pressures.

“It is an honor to be chosen again to serve our Armed Forces and the Fourth District as Chairman of this important subcommittee. This is a critical time for our national defense, particularly as we face strong budgetary pressures. Now more than ever, it is more important that we ensure every defense dollar spent is strategy-driven rather than budget-driven,” said Congressman Forbes. “Virginia has a tradition of strong military leadership in Washington, and I look forward to maintaining this leadership in Congress on key military and security issues.”

In addition, the Readiness Subcommittee oversees about 30% of the defense budget authority, military construction and housing, shipyard issues, and military readiness, including training, logistics, and maintenance.

To learn more about the House Armed Services Committee and the Readiness Subcommittee, visit: armedservices.house.gov/. To learn more about the Congressman’s work on defense, visit: forbes.house.gov/issues/defense.

Contact: Jessica Mancari (202) 225-6365 Washington, D.C. , Dec 22 -

TEXT CREDIT: Congressman J. Randy Forbes Washington D.C. Office 2438 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225 - 6365 (202) 226 - 1170 (fax)

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