House Armed Services Committee Chairman McKeon to speak at luncheon Feb. 24

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., will deliver the speech at a National Press Club luncheon on Monday, Feb. 24 that he says President Barack Obama won't give about administration plans for Afghanistan.

The chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee, which provides authorization and oversight of the Defense Department and its nearly $500 billion budget, is considered one of Congress' most influential positions. McKeon has been critical of Obama in recent weeks about the president's lack of communication with the American public regarding America's present status and future in Afghanistan. A staunch advocate of robust defense spending, McKeon announced in January he would not seek reelection in 2014 after 21 years on Capitol Hill.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with remarks beginning at 1 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session ending at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for Press Club members (NPC Members may purchase two tickets at this rate) and $36 for all other non-member tickets. Tickets may be purchased online by clicking here. For questions, please email [email protected] or call (202) 662-7501. Tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase.

NPC Members who wish to attend the pre-luncheon reception must RSVP separately to [email protected] 48 hours before the event. Space may be limited. You must have a paid reservation to the Luncheon to attend the VIP reception.

To submit a question in advance, put MCKEON in the subject line and email to [email protected] before 10 a.m. on the day of the luncheon.

Upcoming Luncheons:

Feb. 19 – Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz