Gibbons to serve on two new military subcommittees

RENO -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said Thursday he'll use his appointments to a pair of new defense subcommittees to make sure U.S. military bases in Nevada get the resources and equipment they need.

Gibbons, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has been named to that panel's subcommittees on Tactical Air and Land Forces, and Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.

Gibbons, a former combat pilot, is the only member of Congress to have served in both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars.

"As a veteran of two wars, it is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to fight for the needs of our armed forces in Congress," Gibbons said in a statement.

"Our country faces great challenges in the twenty-first century, and I remain committed to ensuring that our military and national guard is equipped and prepared to meet these challenges and protect our national security."

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., chairman of the full committee, said he was realigning the subcommittees to better reflect the challenges of the 21st century.

The Tactical Air & Land Forces Subcommittee will be responsible for Army and Air Force acquisition programs -- except strategic weapons and systems, Navy and Marine Corps tactical aviation, ammunition acquisition, and National Guard, Army Reserve, and Air Force Reserve equipment.

The Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee will focus on counter-terrorism and counter-weapons of mass destruction programs, Information technology policy and programs, special operations forces, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, force protection and intelligence support.

Gibbons also is a member of the House Select Intelligence Committee and vice chairman of its subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security.

"I look forward to working with Chairman Hunter on issues vital to our military and on ensuring Nevada's pre-eminent training bases at Nellis Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Fallon receive the equipment and resources they need," he said.