Today, a large majority of returning Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee wrote the Steering Committee backing Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA) to become chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee for the 113th Congress.  

"I am honored to have earned the support of my colleagues, and that they recognize my leadership and hard work on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Next, I look forward to making my case before the Steering Committee," said Royce.

Urging the Steering Committee to consider their strong endorsement of Rep. Royce, the Members wrote:

"Ed’s commendable performance as chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade gives us great confidence in making this recommendation to you."

Of the 14 currently serving Committee members who are returning to the 113th Congress and are not contesting the chairmanship, ten endorsed Royce in the letter. Term-limited current Chairman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen had previously endorsed Royce to succeed her as Chairman, bringing the number of supporters to 11. Last week, Ros-Lehtinen wrote that Royce is, "a proven leader who has provided valuable input during critical debates of our Committee…Ed would make an excellent Chairman and I strongly support his candidacy to lead the Committee in the next Congress."

Discussing Royce’s leadership, the Members wrote:

"As chairman, he would continue to effectively challenge harmful Obama Administration foreign policies, especially concerning terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction proliferation." They added, "Ed has helped secure loose shoulder-fired missiles from terrorists, bolster relations with allies, and bring to justice international terrorists and war criminals."

"Having seen Ed’s work up close, we believe that he would work hard and effectively as chairman to understand and represent our interests, and those of the Caucus. He has won our trust by being a team player over many years," the letter concluded.  

The letter was signed by: Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01), Rep. Renee Ellmers (NC-02), Rep. Tim Griffin (AR-02), Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-09), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Rep. Tom Marino (PA-10), Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06), Rep. Ted Poe (TX-02).

Royce has served on the Committee since entering Congress in 1993. He chaired the Africa Subcommittee for eight years, and has served as chairman or ranking member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee for eight years.

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