Scott joins Armed Services Committee

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will fill the seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee left open after Democrats’ surprising upset in Alabama’s special election last month.

“This is an amazing opportunity to work closely on issues important to the members of our Armed Services, their families, and our national defense,” Scott said in a statement Tuesday.

“South Carolina is home to thousands of the brave men and women who have signed up to defend our nation, as well as some of our nation’s critical military infrastructure. Having two brothers who served, I know well the sacrifices made by members of our Armed Forces, and I will continue working to ensure our military is the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world.“

{mosads}Scott is filling the seat on the committee left open by former Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who had taken over the seat from fellow Alabaman Jeff Sessions (R) after he became attorney general.

Strange lost the GOP primary to Roy Moore, who in turn lost last  month’s special election to now-Sen. Doug Jones (D).

The committee shuffle in the wake of the election leaves Alabama without a spot on the Senate Armed Services Committee for the first time in 20 years.

Scott’s appointment also means South Carolina will have both its senators on the committee. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has become a prominent and vocal member of the committee closely allied with its chairman, John McCain (R-Ariz.).