FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2005

CONTACT: Geoffrey Collver @ 202/225-9756

Washington, D.C. – House Democrats today voted to reappoint Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL) as the Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. 

Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader said, "Congressman Evans has done a magnificent job as our leader on the Veterans Affairs Committee and I look forward to working with him during the 109th Congress.  Congressman Evans is a consistent and strong advocate for our troops, veterans and military families."

“I very much appreciate my colleagues’ expression of support and I look forward to leading the committee for my caucus and facing the challenges that will come before us in the 109^th Congress,” said Evans.

“The House Veterans Affairs Committee has a reputation for operating in a bipartisan manner and I have a good working relationship with Chairman Smith.  However, Democrats have been clear, we will work with Republican members but will not support GOP leadership policies that shortchange servicemembers, veterans and military families,” Evans continued.

 “The major issues I want to address on the committee this congress are ensuring timely and adequate funding for the VA; addressing in an effective manner the mental health and transition concerns of our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; and improving DoD and VA sharing and cooperative initiatives,” said Evans. 

“I am also very concerned that the VA will be forced to continue rationing veterans’ health care services unless we reject the administration’s dismal budgets and policy recommendations.  Specifically, I foresee the VA being forced to exclude thousands of additional veterans this year unless we act to improve veterans’ health care funding,” said Evans.

Evans has served in Congress and on the House Veterans Affairs Committee since 1983.  Today’s actions will mark the fourth consecutive Congress that Evans will lead the Democrats on the VA panel.

###