Hoyer: Dicks Likely To Replace Murtha As Defense Approp. Chair

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said today he expects Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) to take over the chairmanship of the Appropriations subcommittee on defense, which was held by the late Rep. John Murtha (D-PA).

"I think he will be able to fill that role," Hoyer said, according to Roll Call.

Dicks is the next ranking member on the subcommittee. He is also the chair of the subcommittee on interior appropriations, on which he has served since he became a Congressman in 1977.

Dicks is "an extraordinarily able Member of Congress," Hoyer said.