Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-TX), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following comments after Chairman Buck McKeon announced he will be retiring from Congress at the end of this term:

"Buck McKeon guides the House Armed Services Committee with exceptional commitment to our nation’s security and with the exceptional respect of all of our colleagues.  During a very challenging time, he remains a devoted advocate for our men and women in uniform.  His retirement from Congress will be a real loss.

I appreciate the confidence and the support the Chairman has expressed in and of me.  At the appropriate time, I look forward to visiting with our colleagues on the Steering Committee about succeeding Buck, but we have a lot of work to do over the coming year.  Completing the annual defense authorization bill, continuing important oversight and reforms, and supporting the men and women who serve in an increasingly dangerous and complex world will require the best of all of us."

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