U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe was selected as the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He succeeds the late U.S. Senator John McCain. Inhofe has been a member of the committee since 1995 and previously served as the Ranking Member.
“I am deeply honored that my colleagues have selected me to lead the Armed Services Committee,” Inhofe said. “America is facing new and unprecedented threats that are different from anything we’ve seen before. As chairman, it will be my priority to address these threats while maintaining a staunch commitment to service members and their families, as well as continue the bipartisan tradition of rigorous accountability and oversight of the Defense Department. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Reed and the entire committee as we continue to ensure our military is ready and able to defend America against growing threats from around the world.”
Members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation congratulated Inhofe on his selection.
“With two of Oklahoma’s five military installations located in the Third District, I am pleased that the Senate has selected Sen. Jim Inhofe as Armed Services Committee Chairman,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “As a veteran and an experienced member of the committee, he has a long-standing commitment to American service members and their families. Inhofe’s selection will enhance our armed services’ ability to defend this great nation and bring Oklahoma’s perspective to the forefront of the committee.”
“Our national defense is a constitutional responsibility that we cannot take lightly,” said U.S. Senator James Lankford. “Senator Inhofe is the best person to step into this role to head this vital Senate committee. Senator Inhofe’s experience and passion for the men and women in our Armed Forces have prepared him well to serve in this role. I’m grateful for his leadership, his love for Oklahoma, and his friendship. I know he will serve this committee, our nation, and our state well.”
