February 16, 2021

Duckworth to Chair U.S. Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee (SASC) and a Purple Heart recipient who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces, will Chair the committee’s Airland Subcommittee in the 117th Congress. The Airland Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to certain Army and Air Force programs, as well as research, development and procurement matters involving these military branches. An additional area of jurisdiction is related to the National Guard and Reserve planning and operations policy and equipment.

“As a former Army helicopter pilot, I’m so proud and honored to serve as Chair of the Airland Subcommittee,” said Duckworth. “In this new role, our subcommittee will work to make sure our servicemembers are prepared to take on the challenges they may face in the future, and I look forward to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the National Guardsmen and women—and everyone in our Armed Forces—as they protect and serve our great nation both at home and abroad.”

“Not only is she a great public servant, but Senator Duckworth’s selfless service to the nation while serving in uniform uniquely positions her to take on this leadership role as our next Chairwoman of the Airland Subcommittee,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Chairman of SASC. “She is a results-oriented problem solver. I’m proud to call her my colleague and look forward to continuing our work together advocating for all our servicemen and women.”

Duckworth was one of the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) during her four years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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