This week, Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) was appointed as the Vice Chairwoman of the Defense appropriations subcommittee. Her selection makes her the first woman ever appointed to this prestigious position.

Granger currently serves as the Chairwoman of the State and Foreign Operations appropriations subcommittee and as a senior member of the Defense and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations subcommittees. She will retain her current committee assignments while assuming her new responsibilities.

“It’s an honor to be named the Vice Chair of the Defense appropriations subcommittee. As an active member on the subcommittee I understand and appreciate the critical role this subcommittee has within the defense and intelligence communities, and the responsibility to advocate for our men and women in uniform,” said Granger. “The world is a very dangerous place and we face serious international challenges. It is vital to our national security interest that we maintain a robust national defense to meet the needs of our country and that of our allies.”

The new assignment means Granger will work closely, and make key decisions, with Defense subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen on crafting the near-half a billion dollar defense budget. With her other two committee assignment Granger will have oversight of nearly two-thirds of all federal discretionary spending.

“Kay’s distinguished service on the Defense appropriations subcommittee makes her well-equipped to assume the responsibilities as Vice Chair,” said Chairman Hal Rogers, House Appropriations Committee. “I greatly value her leadership and expertise on foreign policy and national security issues, and I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

“For many years, Kay Granger and I have literally worked side-by-side on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee on a range of matters critical to our military.  I have personally witnessed her devotion to our troops, their families and the State of Texas,” said Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “I would add that her experience as Chairman of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee contributes to our understanding of national security strategy.  I am very pleased she will serve as Vice-Chair of the Defense Subcommittee for the 113th Congress!”

The Defense appropriations subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Department of Defense including the Departments of Army, Navy (including Marine Corps), Air Force, Office of Secretary of Defense, Defense Agencies (Except Department of Defense-related accounts and programs under the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)). Additionally, the subcommittee has jurisdiction of the Central Intelligence Agency and Intelligence Community staff.