Dale Strong, Alabama’s newest congressman, landed his top choice for committee assignments.

Strong, representing north Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, announced Monday the House steering committee has nominated him to the House Armed Services Committee. It’s the first committee nomination Strong has announced.

Related: ‘The first thing is listening’: Dale Strong replaces Mo Brooks in Congress

His nomination is expected be formally approved next week by House Republicans, the announcement said. Armed Services is considered one of the prime committee assignments in Congress.

Strong’s predecessor, Mo Brooks, also served on the committee and Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers of Saks last week was named the committee chair. Congressman Jerry Carl of Mobile is also a member of the Armed Services Committee.

Strong told AL.com in December that a seat on Armed Services was his top committee priority.

“Alabama is home to many military equities, but the 5th District is especially proud to host Redstone Arsenal,” Strong said in the announcement. “From the Army Materiel Command, aviation and missile programs and the Missile Defense Agency, Redstone is critical for on America’s national defense. Our country is made safer by the commitment of the men and women of Alabama that faithfully serve the military community.”

The Armed Services Committee is responsible for funding and oversight of the U.S. Department of Defense.

“When I was sworn in as your representative, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution,” Strong said in the announcement. “My first responsibility is to provide for a strong national defense. Serving on the Armed Services Committee will allow me to directly advocate for the commonsense policies that strengthen our national security and best serve America’s men and women in uniform.”

Rogers, among those Strong has credited with helping him make the transition to Washington from his previous role as chair of the Madison County Commission, applauded the nomination.

“I’m thrilled that the Steering Committee has recommended Rep. Dale Strong to serve on the House Armed Services Committee,” Rogers said in the announcement. “Alabama’s 5th Congressional District is foundational to Alabama’s continued leadership in the defense of our nation. Rep. Strong will be a critical voice on our committee. I look forward to the House Republican Conference ratifying the Steering Committee’s recommendation.”