Durbin to Chair Defense Appropriations Subcommittee
[WASHINGTON, DC] - Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that he will become the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee when the panel organizes early next month. With the exception of military construction programs, the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee oversees funding for the military and intelligence community, our national security requirements and the daily needs of over two million active duty and reserve servicemembers. The Subcommittee also oversees funding for Overseas Contingency Operations, including the war in Afghanistan and other military operations worldwide. All told, the Subcommittee controls nearly half of the nation’s annual discretionary budget.
“I look forward to the Chairmanship of this critical Subcommittee,” Durbin said. “As we wind down the war in Afghanistan, face upcoming budget cuts, and work to prepare our military for future threats, this Subcommittee will focus on ensuring our military remains the most powerful, ready and capable force in the world. We will also work tirelessly to ensure we’re spending wisely, protecting taxpayers and planning well for the future needs. And as has always been the case, the needs of all our servicemembers - active duty and reserve; in theatre or here at home – will be our first concern. I thank Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, Senator Mikulski, for this opportunity and look forward to working with her and Ranking Member Cochran on these important issues.”
Durbin has served on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for 26 years. He takes over the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee from his close friend and former Appropriations Committee Chairman, Daniel Inouye. Senator Inouye died last month at the age of 88.
In addition to being the Assistant Majority Leader, Durbin serves on the Senate Foreign Relations, Judiciary and Rules Committees. He is the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights.