It appears likely Representative Mike Rogers will become the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee this week – and that could be good news for the Anniston Army Depot – historically Calhoun County’s largest employer.

According to reports in The Hill and Politico, Rogers, on Monday, was chosen by the House Republican Steering Committee to replace Representative Mac Thornberry of Texas as the top Republican on the committee, which oversees defense policy and the military budget.

Thornberry is retiring from Congress and did not seek re-election.  Rogers has long been a member of Armed Services.  He has also held the top GOP position on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces – which sets policies for the nation’s nuclear weapons and intercontinental missile arsenal.

The Armed Services position could put Rogers in a better position to advocate for Anniston Army Depot. The military installation employs approximately 3,600 people in repairing and refurbishing tanks, artillery pieces and small arms.

Steering Committee picks aren’t official until voted on by the full conference of Republican House members – and a vote could come as early as today (Thursday).

(AL.COM/www.al.com/Anniston Star/www.annistonstar.com)