The House Democratic Caucus officially selected Norm Dicks (D-WA) to become chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee yesterday, filling the vacancy left by John P. Murtha who passed away in February. Congressman James Moran (D-VA) will replace Norm Dicks as chairman of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. Congressman Dicks will remain a member of the Interior Appropriations subcommittee. In the coming days there will be an appointment of a new member to the full Appropriations Committee to fill Congressman Murtha’s seat, as well as some shuffling of Appropriations subcommittee assignments.