Doug Jones to serve on influential Senate Armed Services Committee

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Doug Jones opinion

Alabama Senator Doug Jones will be serving on the influential Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) when the 116th Congress convenes in January.

SASC is empowered with legislative oversight of the nation’s military, including the Department of Defense, military research and development, nuclear energy (as pertaining to national security), benefits for members of the military, the Selective Service System and other matters related to defense policy.

“Alabama and its citizens have long played a significant role in our national defense, from building or maintaining ships and other vehicles to leading cutting-edge research and development to volunteering to serve in our armed forces,” said Jones. “It is vital that we have a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee, a role that I am honored to be able to fill in the next Congress. I am committed to serving as Alabama’s advocate for a strong national defense, which also means a strong and prosperous economy in our state. I look forward to working with Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed to advocate for our service members and their families, and for a robust national defense posture that protects our interests at home and abroad.”

The committee is key for Alabama, which is home to five military installations across the state that employ 8,500 active duty service members and more than 23,000 civilians. More than 375,000 veterans, including 65,000 retirees, live in Alabama. In 2017, the Department of Defense spent $7.7 billion on contracts in Alabama. Alabama does not currently have any representation on the Senate committee.

“Senator Jones is a tremendous advocate for Alabama and a true champion for our service members and their families,”said Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “I am pleased to welcome him to the committee and know he’ll continue working on a bipartisan basis to help keep America strong militarily and economically.”

Jones’ other committee assignments

In the new Congress, Jones will remain on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee where he will continue to advocate for improved access to health care and quality educational opportunities for all Alabamians.

He will also continue to serve on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

With his new placement on SASC, he will no longer serve on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.