Bartlett makes his pitch for a promotion
Rep. Roscoe Bartlett of Maryland is in line to be the top-ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, thanks to President Barack Obama's decision to pluck Republican Rep. John M. McHugh from the ranks of Congress to be his Secretary of the Army.
Bartlett, who is second in seniority to McHugh among committee Republicans, would be the logical choice to replace the New Yorker as the ranking member of the panel, since seniority typically determines who gets such leadership positions. But a promotion isn't automatic.
The House Republican steering committee, which is under the control of Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, will make the decision.
Were Bartlett to be passed over, it would be a severe blow to his status--a tacit acknowledgment that, for whatever reason, his Republican colleagues considered him unqualified for the job.
The job of ranking minority member on House Armed Services is a significant power slot. The committee is among the most influential on Capitol Hill,where the Democratic majority has ultimate control.
Among the perquisites of the ranking Republican member is the right to decide which committee Republicans serve on the various subcommittees of Armed Services. The ranking member also has the right to sit as a member of any or all subcommittees and holds sway over the minority committee staff.
Bartlett, in a statement released by his office, delivered a blunt pitch for the job:
"With an ongoing war against terrorism on two fronts in Iraq and
Afghanistan and the imminent beginning of markup of the annual Defense
Authorization bill, I have great confidence that the House Republican
Leader John Boehner and my other colleagues will recognize the
importance of ensuring continuity and pay close attention to my 17 years
on the House Armed Services Committee and my leadership the last six and
a half years, as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Seapower and
Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee and the Air and Land Subcommittee of
the House Armed Services Committee," Bartlett said.
"In addition, my 20 years of
experience in research and development for the military with 19 military
patents, and my advocacy for entrepreneurial innovation are well known
and respected," the Frederick Republican added.
Bartlett, who marks his 83rd birthday today, is the last Republican left in the state's congressional delegation. He recently confirmed that he will seek a 10th term in Congress next year. Given his western Maryland district's conservative Republican tilt, he is regarded as a virtual cinch for re-election.
Bartlett praised McHugh's selection to be Army secretary.
"John and I worked together on the House Armed Services Committee since
we were elected to the Congress," he said. "John's knowledge and dedication to our
soldiers was unmatched in his years of leadership on the Personnel
Subcommittee. I fully expect that our colleagues in the Senate will
confirm him quickly.
