House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Yesterday, the Democratic Caucus of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs met to recommend Subcommittee leadership positions in advance of today’s full Committee organizational meeting. The Democratic leadership team includes:

Bob Filner, California, Ranking Democratic Member, Committee on Veterans Affairs;
Jerry McNerney of California, Ranking Democratic Member, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs;
Bruce L. Braley, Iowa, Ranking Democratic Member, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity
Michael H. Michaud, Maine, Ranking Democratic Member, Subcommittee on Health
 
In addition, Corrine Brown of Florida and Silvestre Reyes of Texas will serve on the Subcommittee on Health.
 
Ranking Democratic Member Bob Filner stated:
 
“This team will provide strong Democratic leadership for the veterans of America and will work tirelessly to advance the progress we have made over the last four years, progress that includes expanded access and health care opportunities for our veterans, including increased resources and focus on the signature wounds of our current conflicts and the needs of our veterans from previous conflicts; overseeing the greatest improvement in the G.I. Bill since its inception in 1944; improving the VA home loan program and mortgage protections to better meet the needs of veterans in these dire economic times; and exploring ways to better transition returning servicemembers to meaningful civilian employment.
 
“Over these last four years we also made great strides in improving health care for women veterans and veterans suffering the mental wounds of war, took concrete steps to end homelessness, addressed the funding shortfall that veterans faced for far too many years, and began to address the unconscionable claims backlog facing veterans seeking benefits.
 
“There is much that remains to be done, and this leadership team will shoulder the burden and fight for the American people. We vow to work with our Republican colleagues when warranted while never forgetting the need to remain focused on truly meeting the promises made to generations of veterans.”
 
The Democratic Caucus of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs will meet again soon to round out the leadership team by recommending the Ranking Democratic Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the remaining subcommittee assignments.