Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove

House Democratic leaders have named Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, to the House Armed Services Committee.

Garamendi requested the assignment after his election in September but was unsuccessful. The committee has oversight of the U.S. military and the massive Department of Defense budget.

“Over the last six months, there have been some changes on the committee as members moved on and others wanted different assignments, and a seat opened up,” Garamendi said via telephone a few minutes ago. “The leadership thinks I am doing a good job and thought the Armed Services Committee would be a good fit for me and my district.”

The 10th Congressional District contains Travis Air Force Base and two national laboratories, the Livermore and Sandia labs.

In his new role, Garamendi will announce Monday the introduction of legislation that would permit the opening of a technology transfer campus adjacent to the two national laboratories, where private companies will rent space and collaborate with government researchers.

The congressman’s committee assignments now match that of his predecessor, former Rep. Ellen Tauscher, who resigned to take a high-level job in the U.S. State Department. Garamendi was elected in a special election on Sept. 1, 2009.

Garamendi is also a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will retain his seat on the Science and Technology Committee.