Rep. Noem to Join Armed Services Committee

Press Release

Rep. Kristi Noem today announced she has been appointed to the House Armed Services Committee in the 113th Congress. She will also continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee.

"I am honored to join the House Armed Services Committee and look forward to working with Chairman McKeon and my colleagues on the committee to promote a strong national defense and uphold our commitment to our military men and women," said Rep. Noem. "From Ellsworth Air Force Base to our National Guard Units, South Dakota plays an integral role in protecting our nation. At a time when our country must prioritize its spending, I will continue to be a strong voice for our military and fight to ensure our men and women have the resources they need at home and abroad."

Armed Services has jurisdiction over defense policy, ongoing military operations, the Department of Defense, counter-drug programs, and other areas.

"I am honored that Representative Noem will bring her energy and clarity of vision to the Armed Services Committee," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon. "Her tireless work on behalf of Ellsworth Air Force Base and South Dakota's men and women in uniform, together with her knowledge of the strategic challenges facing our country, make her a tremendous addition to this committee."

South Dakota is home to thousands of service men and women who have answered the call to defend the United States. Rep. Noem has been a passionate advocate for them since coming to Congress and will continue to be a strong voice for South Dakota as a member of Armed Services. From helping stop the President's proposed cuts to the B-1 bomber fleet to prioritizing defense spending in funding legislation and helping defeat efforts to delay development of the next generation bomber, Rep. Noem has been a continued advocate for a strong defense.

"Rep. Noem has been a strong voice for both Ellsworth Air Force Base and the surrounding communities," said Scott Landguth, Executive Director of the Ellsworth Development Authority. "I look forward to continuing to work closely with her in her new post on the House Armed Services Committee."

"Rep. Noem has long been a passionate advocate for South Dakota's military community, and having her on the Armed Services Committee will be a great opportunity for her to continue to highlight the vital roles Ellsworth and the South Dakota National Guard and Reserve components play in our nation's defense," added Ellsworth Task Force Chair Chris Lien.

Rep. Noem is also eager to carry on her work on the House Agriculture Committee under the continued leadership of Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK)

"I am proud of the work I have done on the House Agriculture Committee, from inserting provisions for livestock disaster and conservation programs into the Farm Bill to leading the charge to bring the bill to the House floor," said Rep. Noem. "There remains much work to be done to ensure our farmers and ranchers have the stable agriculture policy they deserve, and I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the committee to do just that."

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