Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON — Indiana Congressman-elect Mark Messmer was recently named to serve on the House Armed Services Committee.
Messmer, a Republican from Jasper, represents Indiana’s Eighth District, which includes Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane. Employment at the base numbers more than 6,000 people – most of them civilians. The area around Crane is also home to a number of defense contractors. Crane’s economic impact to the area is more than $3 billion.
“I am deeply honored to be selected to represent Indiana’s Eighth District on the House Armed Services Committee,” said Messmer. “With the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane (NSWC Crane) — the third-largest naval installation in the world — located in our district, it’s essential that Indiana’s Eighth District is actively involved in all discussions related to the defense of our nation. I look forward to advocating for Hoosiers and all Americans as we work to strengthen America’s position on the global stage, enhance national security, and ensure that our service members and their families receive the support they deserve.”
Kent Parisien, president of the Crane Regional Defense Group, a committee that advocates for Crane at the local level, said the appointment of Messmer “is a tremendous win for Indiana and NSA Crane.”
“Having a Hoosier representative with deep ties to the communities surrounding Crane on this vital committee ensures that the strategic importance of Crane’s innovative defense contributions is well-represented at the national level,” Parisien said. “His leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to support the mission-critical work happening at Crane, while bolstering economic growth for the region and security for the entire nation. I look forward to engaging directly with Congressman-Elect Messmer in his new role at CRDG’s upcoming annual legislative reception in Washington, D.C.”
The House Armed Services Committee oversees funding and policy for the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Armed Forces, and portions of the Department of Energy. It plays a critical role in military operations, the organization and reform of the DOD and the defense-related activities of the federal government.
Messmer served 16 years in the Indiana Legislature and worked to create a favorable environment for defense investment in Indiana.
During a recent interview with Inside Indiana Business, Messmer said he ran for state office after Crane was on the closure list of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission.