Former Rep. Spratt to gain White House post

Former Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.) will soon be appointed to head an international panel advising on the defense of North America, the White House announced Friday.

Spratt — who headed the powerful House Budget Committee before last November’s Republican wave ended his 14-term House tenure — will become a co-chairman of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense.

Consisting of U.S. and Canadian officials, the 71-year-old panel is designed to advise both governments on defense strategies.

“I am grateful that these talented and dedicated individuals have agreed to take on these important roles and devote their talents to serving the American people,” President Obama said in a news release announcing the appointment. “I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

---