Skelton re-elected as ranking Democrat on House Armed Services Committee Jan. 5

Special to the Daily Mail

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When the U.S. House of Representatives convened for the 109th Congress on Jan. 4, Congressman Ike Skelton, D-Mo., took the oath of office to serve his 15th term as representative of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. Skelton's granddaughter held the family Bible while the Speaker of the House administered the oath of office to the members elected last November.

"It is an honor and a privilege to represent my neighbors in west-central Missouri," said Skelton. "I look forward to continuing my efforts on their behalf."

"The 109th Congress will have a full agenda as we do our best to meet the challenges facing our country today. We must continue to work to keep a strong national defense, strengthen our economy, and strengthen our families. I work hard at staying in touch with the people I represent, and hope Missourians will stay in touch with me on these and other issues," said Skelton.

During organizational meetings held on Jan. 5, Skelton was re-elected by the House Democratic Caucus to serve as the top ranking Democrat of the House Armed Services Committee.

Skelton has served as Ranking Member of the Committee since 1998.

"I am very grateful that my colleagues have expressed confidence in my leadership of the House Armed Services Committee Democrats, " said Skelton.

"Taking care of the troops remains my first priority. There is an old saying that we recruit soldiers, but we retain families. The well-being of American military personnel and their families is extremely important to our national security."