Hyde-Smith joins Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee after Graham’s death

Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith has been appointed to the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee announced Wednesday. The appointment follows the death of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died July 11, according to Senate sources.

Hyde-Smith, who already serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, will now join the Defense Subcommittee. She will also remain chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. Additionally, she retains memberships on subcommittees focused on agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, energy and water development, homeland security, and labor, health and human services, education and related agencies.

The appointment comes after Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, was appointed to temporarily fill his seat until a special election can be held. Hyde-Smith expressed her respect for Graham and his service. “I am also resolved to serve as he did in support of our men and women in uniform,” she said. “I am proud to follow in the footsteps of our own Senator Thad Cochran, who chaired and served on this subcommittee so well, ensuring that states like Mississippi can contribute ably to our nation’s defense.”

As part of the reorganization, Hyde-Smith’s office said she relinquished her membership on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.

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