AP/Daily Record

Maryland’s newest member of Congress has been named to the House Armed Services Committee.

First District Congressman Frank Kratovil says serving on the committee will allow him to improve the quality of life for men and women in the Armed Forces who live in the district and work at area military installations.

Kratovil says the committee assignment also gives him “a seat at the table” when it comes to creating national defense policy. The committee funds and oversees the Pentagon, all branches of the military and part of the Department of Energy.

Kratovil formally began his first term in Congress on Tuesday.