By Jen DiMascio
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) joined the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) last week to replace Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.), who died recently after a battle with breast cancer.
Last year, Lamborn replaced HASC heavyweight Rep. Joel Hefley (R) in the military-dominated fifth district of Colorado, which is home to installations including the Army’s Ft. Carson; the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs; Peterson AFB, which houses Northern Command and NORAD, and Schriever AFB.
Lamborn sought a seat on the HASC after his election and was granted “on leave” status as a nonvoting member where he was able to accumulate seniority on the committee until the next vacancy occurred. He also serves on the veterans’ affairs committee.
“It is critical for Congress to enact strong defense policies that ensure our servicemen and women are provided with the training, the tools, and the resources necessary to keep America safe,” Lamborn said in a statement. “Serving on the House Armed Services Committee will afford me the opportunity to ensure our military interests are advanced in order to meet our national security requirements.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), the lead Republican on the committee, has not yet chosen a successor for Davis in her role as ranking member on the readiness subcommittee, according to Joe Kasper, his spokesman.
Davis represented Virginia’s first district and was a strong advocate of the shipbuilding industry and served as a co-chairman of the shipbuilding caucus.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) is expected to make an announcement regarding a special election for Davis’ seat some time this week, according to a spokesman from his office.