Today, the House Armed Services Committee announced Minority General Counsel Paul Lewis will leave the committee to join the Administration as the Department of Defense Special Envoy to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, the Ranking Member on the Armed Services Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations, released the following statement.
"I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Paul on numerous issues that impact our servicemembers and the defense of our country. Paul's keen insight, deep knowledge and ability to build real and efficient coalitions across the aisle have made him an invaluable asset not just to the Armed Services Committee, but for the military and our country as a whole.
"Closing Guantanamo Bay is critical in this time of budgetary belt-tightening and important for the future security of our nation. Paul's expertise and experience on this issue makes him a smart choice for this position. I am confident that his leadership and guidance will ultimately help bring about the best possible solution and look forward to working with him in his new role."