A few tickets remain for Monday luncheon speech by Chairman of House Armed Services

Tickets are running out for the National Press Club's luncheon with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon, R-Calif., Monday, Feb. 24. at 12:30 p.m. in the Ballroom. McKeon will deliver the speech he says President Obama won't give about the administration's plans for Afghanistan.

The chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee, which provides authorization for 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 his 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 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.