Congresswoman Niki Tsongas has been named the highest ranking Democratic member on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Tsongas was appointed by Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), the highest ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee.

The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee investigates wrongdoing and inefficiencies within the armed forces, and provides comprehensive oversight for major programs and issues within the Department of Defense. Tsongas’ leadership role on O&I will allow her a platform to continue and expand her work on the multiple issues that have made her a national voice of support for our military men and women.

“When I first arrived in Congress, I sought out membership on the Armed Services Committee to support Massachusetts’ rich military history and multi-generational tradition of service in the armed forces,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “I am honored to have earned the respect of my colleagues over the past five years and look forward to using my leadership role to help keep our military the best equipped and best protected in the world. This role provides me an opportunity to work across the aisle to ensure the policies and procedures put in place to support of our servicemembers are followed through fully and efficiently. Combating military sexual assault remains one of my top priorities and I will look to continue the progress we have made toward erasing these unspeakable crimes from our armed forces.”

Tsongas has served as a member of the HASC since her election in 2007. In addition to leading the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Tsongas will also serve on the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

“Congresswoman Tsongas has earned her stripes as a leading voice on issues important to our national defense through her work on improving body armor for troops, improving the capabilities of her region’s military installations so they are better able to support our national security priorities, and addressing the epidemic of sexual assault in the military,” said Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9), the highest ranking Democratic member on the House Armed Services Committee. “She has consistently fought to hold the Department of Defense accountable and to bring our troops the resources they need to remain safe and successful in the field.  Her leadership and seniority on the committee made Ms. Tsongas a natural choice to serve as the ranking member on the Oversight and Investigations committee and I look forward to working with her.”

In addition to her work on Armed Services, Tsongas will also continue serving on the Natural Resources Committee. She will be a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, which, among other aspects, holds jurisdiction over National Parks. The Third District is home to several national historic and wildlife areas, such as Minuteman National Park and Lowell National Historic Park.