Rep. Calvert Selected to Serve as Ranking Member of The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense

Press Release

Today it was announced that Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42) will serve as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense (HAC-D).

"First and foremost, I extend my gratitude to Full Committee Ranking Member, Kay Granger (R-TX), for selecting me as Ranking Member of HAC-D," said Rep. Calvert. "She was a champion for our men and women in uniform as HAC-D Chairwoman and I look forward to building upon her success. I also look forward to working with HAC-D Chairman, Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN), who I have worked with in many capacities over the years and whom I consider a close friend."

"As Ranking Member, my priorities align with the Department and the imperative that we not lose momentum in rebuilding our military. The last two years have done much to course-correct eight years of a budget driven strategy, but we still have much more to do to improve readiness; provide U.S. servicemembers with the best equipment possible; and ensure we maintain superiority on land, sea, and air. I also look forward to working with the Department on new challenges in the areas of cyber, space, AI, and in maintaining our technological superiority. At the same time, the role of Congress is strenuous oversight and I will continue to question Department Leadership on how we can achieve efficiencies, reduce overhead, improve acquisition processes, and work together to make the Department a more efficient, agile, and responsive organization. As Ranking Member, I also welcome the input from the entire Republican Conference on their priorities and ideas.

"Congress' first responsibility is for the defense of our nation and I look forward to serving as the next Ranking Member of HAC-D. It is an honor and privilege to serve and to be a part of providing for our men and women in uniform."

Rep. Calvert has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2009 and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense since 2011. Rep. Calvert is one of three appropriations liaisons to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He previously served on the House Armed Services Committee from 2001 to 2009.

Source