U.S. Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, was tapped today by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) to join a new National Security Working Group. Led by Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Peter T. King (R-N.Y.), the solutions group will take the lead in advocating and developing better solutions to the national security challenges facing America and hold the Administration accountable when it pursues misguided policies that make the American people less safe.

“The American people deserve and are demanding a stronger national defense,” opened McKeon.  “While our citizens are skeptical of some of the decisions made by this Administration, they fundamentally want to trust the federal government to provide for the common defense.  Our efforts, combined with those of Kevin McCarthy, will be focused on listening to the American people, including our brave troops and their families, and developing national security policies that are responsive to their needs and concerns.”

“Republicans joined in support with the President when he made responsible decisions, such as renewing the U.S. commitment to winning the war in Afghanistan.  However, we opposed him when he made decisions that we believed could compromise our national security, including his efforts to import Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his terrorist cohorts into the United States,” continued McKeon.

“We are committed to providing our troops with the tools, time and support they need to do their jobs as safely as possible.  This overarching goal will continue to drive our discussions and actions,” concluded the Ranking Member.

In addition to Rep. McKeon, the following members from the House Armed Services Committee were tapped as members of the National Security Working Group: Rep. Michael Conaway (R-Tex.), Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ari.), Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), and Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.).