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Durbin takes reins of powerful Defense panel
Illinois Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin will take the reins of the powerful Senate Appropriations Defense subcommittee, ending the game of musical chairs in Congress over who would succeed the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii).
Newly appointed Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) made Durbin's appointment official on Friday.
As the new defense appropriations chairman, Durbin will have oversight over more than $500 billion in spending annually, making up roughly half of the discretionary budget.
He will also be a key player in guiding a reduction in Pentagon spending as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan draw to a close and Congress looks for spending cuts.
“As we wind down the war in Afghanistan, face upcoming budget cuts, and work to prepare our military for future threats, this subcommittee will focus on ensuring our military remains the most powerful, ready and capable force in the world," Durbin said in a statement.
"We will ... work tirelessly to ensure we’re spending wisely, protecting taxpayers and planning well for the future needs," Durbin said. "The needs of all our service members — active duty and reserve; in theater or here at home — will be our first concern."
Durbin was technically third in line to assume the subcommittee post, behind Sens. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).
Leahy turned down the position earlier this month to remain at the helm of the State and Foreign Operations subcommittee.
“Vermonters are outward looking and have a long history of working to make life better here at home and across the globe. I have been privileged to serve as a voice for Vermont on foreign policy matters,” Leahy said in a statement issued Sept. 9.
“That is why I have chosen for so many years to head one of the two Senate committees responsible for U.S. foreign affairs and protecting our global interests," the Vermont Democrat said at the time.
Harkin opted to remain in his position manning the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on labor, health and education, leaving the job to Durbin.
