Congress honors McHugh via resolution noting service

WASHINGTON — Rep. John M. McHugh hasn't even had his confirmation hearing for secretary of the Army scheduled, but he witnessed another sign Thursday that he is about to make a big move: His colleagues said very nice things about him in public.

Congress passed a measure Thursday honoring Mr. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, for his 16 years in the House, attaching it to a defense bill he helped shape during his short stint as the Armed Services Committee's top Republican. The congressman resigned from the committee after President Obama nominated him.

On a voice vote, the House passed the following resolution stating, in part, "It is the sense of Congress that the Honorable John M. McHugh, Representative from New York, has served the House of Representatives and the American people selflessly and with distinction and that he deserves the sincere and humble gratitude of Congress and the Nation."

The resolution was introduced by Reps. Buck McKeon, R-Calif., the committee's ranking Republican, and committee Chairman Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo.

The measure noted Mr. McHugh's years of service on the committee and his leadership on personnel issues, as well as his representation of Fort Drum, although it inadvertently left Jefferson County off the list of the 11 counties, whole or in part, that Mr. McHugh represents.

It also noted his service in the state Senate and, before that, his work for former state Sen. H. Douglas Barclay, R-Pulaski.

Mr. McHugh's confirmation hearing could come in mid-July, depending on how quickly the necessary paperwork is received and reviewed by the Senate Armed Services Committee.