Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) has been appointed to the House Armed Services Committee, filling the vacancy left by Speaker Mike Johnson.

“As the representative of a state with one of the largest military populations in the country, I am keenly aware of the importance of our armed forces and the necessity of ensuring their unwavering strength and efficiency,” said Gooden. “In the wake of growing global threats, it is imperative that our military is equipped to protect our nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen our military capabilities, support our service members and maintain our strategic defense initiatives.”

The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for funding and oversight of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the United States armed forces, as well as portions of the Department of Energy. As a key committee in the House of Representatives, it has a broad scope of responsibility, including ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense, counter-drug programs, acquisition and industrial base policy, and technology transfer and export controls.