WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) has been named to the House Armed Services Committee for the fourth time since taking office and has made history as the first female veteran to serve as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Additionally, Houlahan will serve on the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation (CITI) Subcommittee, reflecting her continued commitment to addressing critical defense issues.
Houlahan expressed her gratitude for the appointment, emphasizing the importance of advocating for the individuals who form the backbone of the U.S. military. “I am honored to be named the Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee because our work focuses on the very heart of the U.S. military—the people who raise their hands to serve and the families who support them,” she said. She drew on her personal connection to military service, noting her experiences as a veteran and the daughter and granddaughter of servicemen, which give her insight into the challenges faced by service members and their families.
The Military Personnel Subcommittee is charged with overseeing Department of Defense (DoD) policies, programs, and funding related to military personnel, including compensation, health care, housing, childcare, and family support services. Since joining the subcommittee in the 117th Congress, Houlahan has successfully influenced over 60 policy recommendations included in the National Defense Authorization Act. These policy changes have addressed issues such as workforce development, transition assistance, and efforts to improve recruitment and retention across military branches.
Her additional role on the CITI Subcommittee will place her at the forefront of overseeing DoD policies related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. Houlahan has long been a proponent of bolstering America’s cyber workforce, previously introducing legislation and advocating for initiatives like a digital services academy to ensure the nation remains competitive in this critical domain.
Houlahan underscored the significance of her new roles, stating, “Now more than ever, our servicemen and women need to know they can count on the House Armed Services Committee members to protect them while they protect us.”
Her dual appointments signify a continuation of her work to strengthen the armed forces and ensure that the needs of military personnel and their families are prioritized. By focusing on both the human and technological aspects of defense, Houlahan aims to address pressing challenges while laying the groundwork for a more robust and modernized military.
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