Collins to chair Senate Appropriations Committee after McConnell chooses a new role [Video]

Sen. Susan Collins is closer than ever to helming the Senate’s Appropriations Committee after Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday that he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles for himself once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader.

Though McConnell’s seniority would give him first pick at committee appointments, the Kentucky Republican revealed he will assume the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – rather than chairing the larger appropriations committee. The role dovetails with his constant message that America needs a bulked-up military to deter threats from adversaries such as Russia, Iran and China.

The transition comes as McConnell is ending his role as the longest-serving Senate leader in history, just as Republicans prepare to take majority control of the chamber after big gains in this month’s election. Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune, a top deputy to …