McHugh resigns from committee

WASHINGTON — Rep. John M. McHugh resigned Wednesday from the House Armed Services Committee, saying his pending nomination as Army secretary could create the appearance of conflicts of interest.

"I just felt it was the right thing to do," Mr. McHugh said in an interview.

"I'd like to think I could work around those issues myself," said Mr. McHugh, picked Tuesday by President Obama to become the Army's top civilian leader. But he said that "in all fairness" to his colleagues on the committee, the panel would be better served by someone who does not carry potential conflicts.

The committee has been preparing to tackle the annual bill that outlines all defense programs and that is often loaded with contentious policy questions. Those could have put Mr. McHugh, awaiting confirmation, in a position of carrying a banner for the administration's GOP critics in Congress.

He said it was his own idea to step aside.

His move requires House Republicans to move quickly to appoint someone to the ranking Republican slot, which Mr. McHugh assumed this year.