Media Advisories

It was another busy week here at the Committee with five hearings, including the legislative presentation by the VFW to a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees. In addition, the Committee continued its focus on oversight of VA construction projects, with a particular emphasis on Savannah as a case study of waste and ineptitude. VA continues to make questionable contracting decisions at construction sites around the country, potentially wasting millions in taxpayer dollars, while our veterans continue to wait. On March 27, the Committee will investigate these issues at a full Committee hearing, “From the Ground Up.” I am looking forward to having a frank discussion later this month with VA officials, and will keep everyone posted on the Committee’s investigation. – Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Improving Education and Employment Opportunities

The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity has been working to continue to improve education and employment benefits for our veterans. On Thursday, the Subcommittee held a legislative hearing to discuss 10 bills pending before the Committee including requiring VA to recognize colleges and universities that best serve veterans and moving the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) program from the Department of Labor to VA. To learn more about the hearing and legislation, click here.

Empowering Spouses

Last weekend, Military.com held a summit for military spouses. By all accounts the event was a terrific success and was very well-attended. Members of the Committee staff were in attendance, and Army veteran and Committee member Rep. Phil Roe (TN-02) delivered a fantastic video message to the audience, which you can watch online here. To learn more about the Spouse Summit, please click here. Everyone at the Committee extends our gratitude to our military spouses everywhere for their service and sacrifice!

Rep. Bill Johnson Talks O&I

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06) sat before the cameras this week to discuss his role as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (O&I). Rep. Johnson spent 26 years in the Air Force before coming to Congress. Watch the video to see Rep. Johnson discuss what the subcommittee has already accomplished, as well as the plan for the remainder of this Congress.

Sundays with Tebow

This weekend, Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos, turned his attention from the football field to our veterans. In Tampa, Tebow visited with one of our severely wounded veterans and his wife. The quarterback said, humbly, of the visit, “I do nothing special, athletes do nothing special. We play a silly game. But here’s someone who put his life on the line for our country – that’s a real hero.” 

Upcoming Committee Schedule:

March 21: Joint House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – Legislative presentation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, IAVA, Non Commissioned Officers Association, American Ex Prisoners of War, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, and the Retired Enlisted Association.

March 22: Joint House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – Legislative presentation of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Air Force Sergeants Association, Blinded Veterans Association, AMVETS, Gold Star Wives, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officers Association of America, Jewish War Veterans, National Guard Association of the United States.