LAS VEGAS – Nevada congressman Joe Heck’s promotion to one-star general now has the blessing of the U.S. Senate.
Heck's staff confirmed that lawmakers approved naming the Republican representative a brigadier general in the Army Reserve. He serves as a medical adviser and most recently held the rank of colonel.
The promotion will become official after a swearing-in ceremony. It was unclear when that would take place.
Heck's post in the Reserve requires him to spend some weekends doing Army duties, but Heck spokesman Greg Lemon has said it hasn't impeded his work as a lawmaker.
Heck has been called to active duty three times during his 22 years as a reservist, and has been deployed to Iraq. Heck has not been deployed overseas since he was elected to the House in 2010.
