Vice Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.) received praise for his tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans in his 24 years of service as a member of Congress and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs heard the views of nine veterans’ and military service organizations (VSOs and MSOs) in the second of a two-day series of “Look Back, Look Ahead” hearings which Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) termed “the opening of the Fiscal Year 2008 VA budget process.”

“Yesterday, we held the first of these hearings, at which 11 VSO and MSO commanders and leaders testified. Their comments were substantive and the session was very productive,” Buyer said. “I look forward to today’s discussion.”

VSOs and MSOs detailed their legislative priorities, focusing especially on funding for medical research, a reduction of the backlog in disability claims, physical and mental health issues of servicemembers returning from the war on terror, and the seamless transition of those servicemembers into the VA and civilian life.

“We have considerable work to do regarding traumatic brain injuries, not only in protective equipment, but in the medical research and development aspects. I look forward to working together on this issue,” Buyer said in response to comments from John Lopez of the Association of Service Disabled Veterans on the importance of funding and advancements in medical research.

In testimony on the growing backlog of compensation at VA, witnesses spoke in unison on the need for efforts and focus, including additional personnel, more extensive training and better use of technology to reduce the backlog. Buyer noted that he would soon be meeting with the committee’s task force on accountability, comprising of veterans’ advocates, which is examining accountability issues across VA. Buyer thanked the representatives for their insight, stating that this is an opportune time for their views, as Congress and the administration are beginning to develop the FY 2008 budget.

Veterans’ representatives shared the committee’s concerns that information security and management be centralized within the VA. Buyer linked the urgent need to reform VA’s information technology and security to his top priorities, caring for veterans who have service-connected disabilities, those with special needs, and the indigent; ensuring a seamless transition from military service to the VA and providing veterans every opportunity to live full, healthy lives.

Witnesses praised the commitment and work of two departing members for their tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans: Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.), vice chairman of the full committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Ranking Member Lane Evans (D-Ill.). Bilirakis and Evans will be retiring from Congress at the end of the 109th Congress.

“We will miss their service and their heart for veterans,” Buyer said.