House Armed Services Committee

Ike Skelton, Chairman                       http://armedservices.house.gov

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2009                 Contact: Loren Dealy or Lara Battles

 202-225-2539

Skelton Commends McHugh Nomination As Secretary of the Army

            Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement on the nomination of House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John M. McHugh (R-NY) as Secretary of the Army: 

“I congratulate my friend Congressman John McHugh on his nomination to be the next Secretary of the Army.  The men and women of the U.S. Army will have a very strong advocate in John McHugh. 

“Congressman McHugh took the reins as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee in January, but he has been a leader on this committee for years and previously served as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. I enjoy a strong and cordial working relationship with Congressman McHugh and I regret he will be leaving the House.  However, the House Armed Services Committee will work closely with the new Secretary of the Army after his confirmation and we will continue to call upon his experience and expertise. 

“As Secretary of the Army, John McHugh will have the opportunity to make significant contributions to our national security and do even more to support our service members and their families. The Army is in excellent hands with John McHugh.”