WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Thursday announced he will join the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in the 118th Congress. Murphy will retain chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and continue to serve on four additional Appropriations Subcommittees: (1) Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies; (2) Legislative Branch; (3) State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and (4) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

In addition to maintaining his position on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, he will continue to serve on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee – chairing the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism – and the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

“Serving on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee is a huge privilege, as I’ll have the opportunity to be an even stronger voice to make sure we spend money in a way that's consistent with our true national security needs. Connecticut's workers build world-class jet engines, helicopters, and submarines, and my priority will be making sure they get a fair shot at DOD contracts. I also look forward to continuing to represent our state’s interests as chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and as a member of the HELP and Foreign Relations Committees,” said Murphy.

Murphy is the first U.S. Senator from Connecticut to serve on the Appropriations Committee since 1987. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, and a member of the Defense Subcommittee, Murphy will continue working to secure funding for Connecticut’s priorities like creating good-paying jobs, upgrading the Northeast Corridor, and increasing the availability of affordable housing.

As a member of the HELP and Foreign Relations Committees, Murphy will also continue pushing to invest in mental health care, tackle medical debt, improve school safety, advocate for anti-gun violence programs, and support U.S. diplomatic efforts abroad.

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