WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today released the following statement on President Obama’s nomination of U.S. Rep. John McHugh as Secretary of the Army. McHugh is a nine-term Republican from New York’s 23rd Congressional District.
President Obama has made a wise choice. Congressman McHugh has the right qualifications to lead the Department of the Army.
I have had the pleasure of serving with Congressman McHugh for the past two and a half years on the House Armed Services Committee. He is a committed and passionate advocate for our men and women in uniform and their families. In a city that all too often is beset with partisan squabbling, Congressman McHugh has always been willing and ready to put country above party affiliation.
Because of Fort Huachuca, the Secretary of the Army has direct and significant impact on the lives of thousands of Southern Arizonans and our economy. I know that Congressman McHugh is fully aware of the critical mission of the Fort in defending American freedoms. If he is confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working closely with him to make sure that mission is not only maintained, but expanded as we confront the unique national security challenges of the 21st century.