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REPUBLICAN PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday January 30, 2007

HVAC 110th ORGANIZATION COMPLETE

America’s veterans will be served well by Republican members’ knowledge and experience

Washington, D.C.—For the needs of America’s veterans, the 110th Congress officially got underway with the organization of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced the new additions to the Republican membership, as well as those who will serve as ranking members of the four subcommittees.

“The Republican members of this Committee all have a firm commitment and an unwavering dedication to serve our nation’s 26 million veterans. From those who have served on this Committee in the past and those who have now chosen to serve, this membership is comprised of those who have answered the call to ensure that America’s veterans have a strong voice in Congress,” Buyer stated.

“I am anxious for this Committee to begin its work in the 110th Congress to care for veterans with service-connected disabilities, those with special needs, and the indigent, ensure a seamless transition from military service to the VA, and provide veterans every opportunity to live full, healthy and dignified lives,” Buyer added.

One of the newest members of the Committee will also serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Assistance. Congressman Doug Lamborn (C0-05), elected in 2006, comes to the Committee after serving a decade in the Colorado House and Senate. His district is home to the U.S. Northern Command, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Peterson Air Force Base, http://www.schriever.af.mil/Schriever  Air Force Base and Fort Carson.

Congressman John Boozman (AR-03), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity in the 109th Congress, returns as its Ranking Member. With jurisdiction over veterans education, vocational rehabilitation, housing, and servicemembers civil relief, Congressman Boozman’s tenure as chairman included the passage of legislation awarding set-aside contracts to service-disabled vet-owned small businesses, and mandated training for all federally-funded veterans employment specialists at state employment services.

The Subcommittee on Health sees the return of another former Chairman with Congressman Jeff Miller (FL-01) taking over as Ranking Member. Formerly the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability and Memorial Assistance, Congressman Miller will have jurisdiction over the largest health delivery system in the country, including 1,300 sites of care. He has been a member of the Committee since his election to Congress.

Taking over as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-03) oversees all the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as all other federal agencies that affect veterans. Florida’s Third District boasts the second highest veterans population in the country. A member of the Committee since elected to Congress in 2002, Congresswoman Brown-Waite has been an active and engaged member of the Committee.

The Republican Membership of the Committee is as follows:

Steve Buyer (IN-04)
Cliff Stearns (FL-06)
Dan Burton (IN-05)
Jerry Moran (KS-01)
Richard Baker (LA-06)
Henry E. Brown, Jr. (SC-01)
Jeff Miller (FL-01)
John Boozman (AR-03)
Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-05)
Michael R. Turner (OH-03)
Brian P. Bilbray (CA-50)
Doug Lamborn (CO-05)
Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-09)

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Larry Scott

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