Eight new Republican lawmakers have joined the House Armed Services Committee for the new session of Congress.
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), chairman of the House panel, said in a statement released Tuesday the new HASC members will work to help reform and rebuild the U.S. military.
The new members of the House committee include:
- Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee
- Ralph Abraham of Louisiana
- Trent Kelly of Mississippi
- Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin
- Matt Gaetz of Florida
- Don Bacon of Nebraska
- Jim Banks of Indiana
- Liz Cheney of Wyoming
The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for the annual defense authorization bill that covers the Defense Department’s operations and the Energy Department’s national security functions.
The House panel has jurisdiction over programs and laws related to the armed forces, service personnel’s compensation and allowances, public contracts, National Guard, national defense and war, as well as shipping.