Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced she will serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee in the 112th Congress. Gillibrand served on the House Armed Services Committee when she represented New York’s 20th Congressional District, and has worked closely with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) to support America’s troops and veterans in the Senate. Senator Gillibrand worked with Chairman Levin to strengthen our national security by repealing the corrosive “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, including securing the first committee hearing that led to its repeal.
Senator Gillibrand issued the following statement:
“One of the reasons I came to Congress was to strengthen our national security and serve as a voice for our troops and military families. I am honored to once again serve on the Armed Services Committee to continue fighting for America’s troops and veterans.
“I look forward to working to strengthen our security and keep America safe, and I am committed to creating better opportunities for troops and military families to get ahead here at home, and growing our whole economy by connecting our military with New York’s emerging private sector high-tech and manufacturing industries.
“From helping to create more good-paying jobs for veterans so they can succeed in the economy after serving our nation, to improving access to quality health care, to providing affordable loans to buy a home and a chance at a college degree, we must ensure the opportunities and benefits we offer our military families always live up to their service.”
New York State is home to a major military presence, including Fort Drum near Watertown, the United States Military Academy at West Point, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, as well as National Guard bases in Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Scotia and Syracuse. This past November, Senator Gillibrand spent time traveling throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan and has previously visited Iraq on a military CODEL.
Senator Gillibrand will continue to serve on the following Senate committees: Agriculture, Environment and Public Works, Special Committee for the Aging.