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Washington, D.C. — Dedicated to continuing the work done during his two years as Chairman, Congressman Steve Buyer (IN-04) will serve as Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the 110th Congress. Once again, Buyer was elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to lead the Committee for the Republican Conference. The Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the largest healthcare delivery system in the nation. Buyer will also continue to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“We are a nation at war and the challenges the VA faces are many, but one thing remains constant: I will continue to serve those veterans with service-connected disabilities, those with special needs and the indigent. As Chairman and now Ranking Member, my vision for the future of the VA includes attaining a seamless transition between the Department of Defense and the VA, and providing the veterans coming home today and those who have served in the past every opportunity to live full lives,” Buyer stated.

House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said, “In a time of war, America’s veterans deserve someone who understands their needs and will work to fulfill them. Steve Buyer is that person. As a veteran himself, he understands the issues facing our veterans and he will continue to serve them as Ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.”

“I look forward to continuing the work I started as Chairman—perfecting the VA budget model, ensuring that veterans are protected from the past data theft, and funding research and construction projects so that VA healthcare remains the best in the nation,” Buyer added.

During a hearing held in July 2005, Buyer highlighted key weaknesses in the VA budget modeling which led to a funding shortfall. Buyer quickly introduced Fiscal Year 2005 supplemental funding for the VA. In addition, he pushed to change the way the VA creates its budget, which it has since adopted.

Buyer was also instrumental in uncovering the flaws of the Information Technology (IT) system at VA. These flaws led to the theft of a laptop containing sensitive information of the nation’s 26 million veterans, their dependents and military personnel. Buyer held a series of hearings and introduced wide ranging legislation to reorganize VAIT.

“As a veteran, my service on this Committee is personal. It has been an honor and a privilege to be the leading advocate for our nation’s veterans and I look forward to continuing this service in the 110th Congress,” Buyer commented.