Langevin Returns to Armed Services Committee, Leaves Homeland Security

(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced that he will return to the House Armed Services Committee and take a leave of absence from the Homeland Security Committee. His subcommittees have not been assigned yet.

At the beginning of the 110th Congress, in January 2007, Langevin took a leave of absence from his position on the House Armed Services Committee when Speaker Pelosi asked him to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Now, his departure from the Homeland Security Committee will allow him to reclaim his seat and his seniority on Armed Services while continuing his Intelligence Committee service. Despite the two year absence from Armed Services, Langevin has remained committed to Rhode Island’s service members and the jobs supported by its defense industry and has continued to co-chair the House Submarine Caucus.

“With the start of the Obama Administration, I believe returning the House Armed Services Committee is the best way for me to help bring the War in Iraq to an end and to refocus our national security efforts on the larger War on Terror,” said Langevin. “This assignment will also be an excellent complement to my work on the Intelligence Committee.”

In the 110th Congress, Langevin served as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. In this position, he worked to draw greater attention to the emerging threats posed by cyber-terrorism, along with biological and nuclear terrorism.

“I am proud of my subcommittee’s accomplishments, especially in the area of cyber security,” continued Langevin. “I look forward to continuing my efforts to raise awareness and combat this emerging threat through my service on Armed Services, Intelligence and as Co-Chair of the House Cybersecurity Caucus.”

“While I have had a long-standing interest in national security issues, I am also excited to get to work with my Democratic colleagues on our nation’s most pressing domestic issues – namely the economy and health care,” said Langevin. “There are many, many issues at home and abroad that require immediate attention and I pledge to Rhode Island families to do my best on all fronts as we begin the 111th Congress.”

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