WASHINGTON – Rep. Doug Lamborn is joining the House Armed Services Committee, a post he had been criticized for not attaining.
The Colorado Springs Republican received the seat when Rep. Jo Ann Davis, R-Va., died last week.
The appointment shows that the earlier criticism “is groundless,” Lamborn said. “Our strong military presence is a great source of pride for my constituency, and I am proud to represent them.”
Among his priorities is beefing up funding for missile defense, Lamborn said.
Some in Colorado Springs criticized Lamborn as ineffective this year when the House passed legislation that bars Fort Carson from expanding its Piñon Canyon training site for one year. The measure was co-authored by Reps. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo., and John Salazar, D-Colo. Lamborn opposed but had few allies. That measure is part of a spending bill that has not become law.
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., is on the Armed Services Committee.
Asked whether he now has the ability to affect Piñon Canyon’s future, Lamborn said, “I don’t know if there’s anything I can do immediately, but I continue to be very concerned.”
