January 12, 2007
Ranking Member Buyer's statement on reinstatement of joint hearings
Washington, D.C. — Responding to a decision by Democratic House leaders to reinstate joint hearings of veterans’ and military service groups, which have historically been timed to coincide with the annual Washington conventions of these groups in spring, Veterans’ Committee Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) issued the following statement:
“Democrats are relegating veterans to the back bench by receiving their input on the budget and legislative issues after the budget is put together – how disappointing,” House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer said. “Veterans’ groups do not belong on the back bench. They must engage Congress with timely substance in order to best advocate the interests of their veterans.”