Washington, DC – Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), has been tapped to be the lead Republican on the House Armed Services, Sea Power and Expeditionary Forces subcommittee. The committee has jurisdiction over authorization of Navy and Marine Corps programs and Naval Reserve equipment.

Ranking Republican of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative John McHugh (R-NY) stated that, "I am honored to have Todd Akin as an integral part of the Republican leadership team for the House Armed Services Committee. His wealth of knowledge and experience will provide immeasurable benefits for our military as we work to meet today’s threat environment and provide for our national defense. As Ranking Member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee, Todd will be responsible for ensuring our Navy and Marine Corps have the necessary platforms and weapons systems for the 21^{st Century."}

"It is an honor to serve as Ranking Republican Member of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces subcommittee. Our Navy and Marine Corps have kept our nation safe for centuries and have only become more important over time," said Akin. "Today the U.S. Navy has ships in every ocean, is actively fighting the global war on terror, and is keeping the shipping lanes free for commerce. At the same time, there are Marines fighting for freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan, and preparing for the future fight, wherever that may be."

"I look forward to working with Chairman Gene Taylor, as we make sure that the men and women of the Navy, Marine Corps and Merchant Marines have everything they need to defend our nation’s freedom and security," stated Akin.

Akin noted that with Representative Sam Graves as ranking member of the Committee on Small Business and Representative Joan Emerson as ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, "Missouri will be well represented during the 111th Congress."