House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chair Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) surprised colleagues Wednesday by announcing he won’t seek re-election to the House next year.
By seniority, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) is next in line to head the subcommittee. If she chooses not to leave her current position heading another subcommittee, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) would be next in line, CQ reported.
Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) praised Visclosky as a “champion for the women and men of our armed forces, and a supporter of a robust mix of defense, diplomacy and development to keep our nation safe and strong,” according to Defense News.
Lowey’s own planned retirement has already shaken up the Democratic lineup of the Appropriations Committee. The leading candidates to take over her gavel are Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio).
Army photo of Rep. Pete Visclosky by Sarah Gross