U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, has been named chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee after the death of committee chairman Sen. John McCain.

“I am deeply honored that my colleagues have selected me to lead the Armed Services Committee,” Inhofe said. “America is facing new and unprecedented threats that are different from anything we’ve seen before.

“As chairman, it will be my priority to address these threats while maintaining a staunch commitment to service members and their families, as well as continue the bipartisan tradition of rigorous accountability and oversight of the Defense Department.”

Inhofe has served on the Armed Services Committee since 1995, and is the committee’s first chairman from Oklahoma. He previously served as chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee from 2003-2006 and from 2015-2016 where his tenure was marked by the passage of major legislation, including the FAST Act, the return to biennial water infrastructure bills and the first reform of chemical legislation since the 1990s.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma,  applauded the decision.

“Our national defense is a constitutional responsibility that we cannot take lightly,” said Lankford. “Senator Inhofe is the best person to step into this role to head this vital Senate committee. Senator Inhofe’s experience and passion for the men and women in our Armed Forces have prepared him well to serve in this role. I’m grateful for his leadership, his love for Oklahoma, and his friendship. I know he will serve this committee, our nation, and our state well.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell announced the decision on the floor of the Senate after a vote by committee members.

“Jim Inhofe filled in for Sen. McCain during a difficult year. He rose to the occasion and helped lead the committee in passing crucial legislation that honored the example of his predecessor and the volunteers who defend our nation,” McConnell said.

“He possesses rich experience on the committee, including decades of work on behalf of American service members as well as his own military service.”