Former Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) isn’t ready to retire after serving for decades in Congress.

McConnell announced Thursday that he will chair the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense next year, overseeing the defense budget as he prepares to step down from Senate leadership.

In January, McConnell will transition to a rank-and-file member after 18 years as the leader of Senate Republicans. However, his new committee role ensures he will continue to wield significant influence over U.S. foreign policy, the Washington Examiner reported.

“Outside of defense, McConnell announced that he will chair the Senate Rules Committee, a lower-profile body responsible for contested elections and the administration of Senate rules and procedures,” the outlet added.“America’s national security interests face the gravest array of threats since the Second World War. At this critical moment, a new Senate Republican majority has a responsibility to secure the future of U.S. leadership and primacy,” McConnell said in a statement. “I intend to play an active role in this urgent mission.”