Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced his committee assignments for the 116^th Congress to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Agriculture Committee.

The House Armed Services Committee’s oversight responsibilities include the full scope of operations performed by the Department of Defense as well as the national security functions of the Department of Energy.

“I am grateful to once again be selected to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. For the past two years, I have worked closely with my colleagues in the House and Senate to restore our military readiness by passing the first on-time defense budget in a decade, reversing previous troop reductions in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and fully funding several key Offutt Air Force Base missions.  As this new term begins, I look forward to using my seat on the Committee to defend America and our interests around the world,” said Rep. Bacon.

Nearly 30 years of service in the military provides Rep. Bacon with a unique perspective and first-hand knowledge of the issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction.  He provides a veteran voice on  HASC and was named a conferee to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) House-Senate Conference Committee two years in a row – a rare honor for a Congressman in his first term. 

“I am excited to welcome Representative Bacon back to the House Armed Services Committee this Congress. A distinguished military leader in his own right, Representative Bacon’s insight and deep knowledge of joint operations have been essential to the Committee’s legislative and oversight responsibilities.  After seeing him in action, Bacon was an easy choice for the NDAA Conference Committee the last two years. I look forward to working with him to continue the important job of rebuilding America’s military strength,” said HASC Ranking Member Mac Thornberry.

Rep. Bacon also delivers a crucial voice to the House Agriculture Committee. Last year, the Committee passed the 2018 Farm Bill, the largest bill passed by the Committee every five years. His work on the Farm Bill was critical to securing key areas in the Farm Bill such as trade promotion, a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Bank, an affordable crop insurance program, and continued research funding for universities such as the University of Nebraska.

“I am also excited to continue working on the Ag Committee. Nebraska has a long history of agriculture, exporting our products worldwide. The people of our state depend on agriculture as well, with one out of every four jobs in Nebraska relating to agriculture. After a successful Farm Bill last year, I am excited for the future of this Committee and am grateful to be named to it again,” said Rep. Bacon.

“I’m glad to welcome Don back to the House Agriculture Committee. On the heels of the 2018 Farm Bill, it is critical that strong Members like Don, who were leaders in helping craft the legislation, are involved in overseeing the implementation of all areas of the bill – from the farm safety net to conservation to rural broadband. There is much work to be done in the 116^thCongress, and I look forward to working alongside Don on behalf of America’s producers,” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Mike Conaway.

“I will remain committed this Congress to advancing my priorities in Homeland Security, to include Cybersecurity, protecting our critical infrastructure, supporting our law enforcement community, and bio-preparedness research and development,” said Rep. Bacon.