WASHINGTON -- Representative Seth W. Moulton of Salem was nominated Friday morning to join the House Armed Services Committee, according to a press release from Democratic Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi of California. A Marine who served four tours of duty in Iraq and was awarded both the Bronze Star and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals for valor, he would join Representative Niki Tsongas of Lowell on the committee.
Moulton’s office did not comment on his nomination.
Moulton has been angling for a coveted seat on the committee since his election. Though Armed Services is a tough committee to crack as freshman, Moulton’s appointment stems from his military qualifications and a push from the Massachusetts delegation.
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“He brings a special level of expertise given his academic background with his military experience,” said Representative Richard E. Neal of Springfield, the dean of the Massachusetts congressional delegation. “That was what we lobbied for with the [House Democratic] leadership. That was the argument we made.”
Representative Katherine M. Clark of Melrose was also nominated to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which Representative John F. Tierney of Salem sat on before he lost to Moulton in last year’s Democratic primary.
“This appointment is an opportunity to lead the fight on affordable, high quality child care, equal pay, and worker protections,” said Clark. “The work of this committee impacts millions of families across the country, our future workforce, and our nation’s ability to lead in a global economy.”
The full Democratic caucus will vote on the nominations next week. If both Moulton and Clark are confirmed, every member of the Massachusetts congressional delegation will be seated on a committee.