U.S. Rep. John Carter (R-Round Rock) has replaced U.S. Rep. John McHugh (R-NY) as Republican Co-Chairman of the House Army Caucus. McHugh is leaving the House of Representatives to become Secretary of the Army.

"This is a distinct honor and privilege," says Carter. "I am pleased to take on this responsibility to ensure that the Army maintains and increases a close working relationship with Members from both sides of the aisle, to guarantee we have a thoroughly educated House as to all the needs of the U.S. Army."

Carter joins Democratic Co-Chair and fellow Texan U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Waco). Both Chairmen have close ties with Fort Hood, with Carter currently representing the Army’s largest base, and Edwards having represented it in the past. Both Carter and Edwards are members of the key House Appropriations Committee, and serve on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.

Carter is also one of six elected GOP House leaders, as Secretary of the House Republican Conference.

The 111th Congress Army Caucus currently has more than 100 Members from both parties. The Caucus works to educate their fellow House Members on Army needs, and advocate for those needs in the House legislative process.