Page "Floyd Spence" Paragraph 7

In 1993, Spence became ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, having been a member of the panel since his first term.

The 2nd District includes Fort Jackson.

He became the committee's chairman in 1995 after the Republicans under Newt Gingrich of Georgia gained their first majority in the House in forty years.

Spence renamed the House Armed Services Committee the " Committee on National Security " when he took over as chairman.

He focused on military readiness, calling it " the best insurance we have both for peace and freedom.

" Spence was also a strong advocate of missile defense.

He stepped down as chairman after the 106th Congress because of caucus-imposed term limits.

He later served as chairman of the House subcommittee on military procurement.