Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.), the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, at the start of the Committee’s organizing meeting for the 118th Congress:

Good morning.

I want to welcome both new and returning members of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to the 118th Congress organizational meeting.

I have enjoyed meeting individually with most of you, and I look forward to meeting with those I have not.

My name is Mike Bost, and it is my honor to serve as the 15th Chairman of this Committee.

I am an enlisted, non-combat Marine Corps veteran from southern Illinois.

This is my ninth year in Congress, and I have been honored to serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee since coming to Congress.

I come from a military family and long line of service.

My son and grandson continued that tradition and serve now in the reserves and active-duty in the Marine Corps.

After leaving service I went home and ran my family’s small business, volunteered as a firefighter, and served for many years in the Illinois state legislature.

I welcome you all to the Committee and I want you to know that you have my commitment to maintain the bipartisan nature of our Committee’s work.

I do not take the responsibility of this job lightly.

And I refuse to let my veteran community down.

Which is why I am excited to get us organized and onto our work for veterans and their families this year.

As such, this morning we will begin with the approval of Committee rules, approval of the actions of our respective caucuses, approval of Vice Chairs and Subcommittee Chairs, Committee ratios, and approval of the Committee staff.

First, I would like to introduce our new GOP Members.

Members, if you would just raise your hand and wave.

Rep. Greg Murphy, of North Carolina. Dr. Murphy represents Camp Lejeune Cherry Point, and Air Station New River, we are excited to have him back.

Rep. Scott Franklin, of Florida. Scott is a 26-year Navy veteran and will be a strong voice for Florida’s veteran population.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, of Wisconsin. Derrick is former Navy SEAL and a veteran small business owner. He also uses the V.A. for care, we’re lucky to have his perspective.

Rep. Morgan Luttrell, of Texas. Morgan is also a Navy SEAL and a disabled veteran. After leaving the military, Morgan has spent much of his civilian career helping veterans recover from P.T.S.D. and T.B.I.’s.

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, of Arizona. Juan has spent years working with local community-based organizations and I know he is ready to serve the veteran community on our Committee.

Rep. Eli Crane, of Arizona. Eli is also a Navy SEAL and after the military started a veteran-owned small business. He knows what it means to serve both his country and his community, we are excited to have him.

Rep. Keith Self, of Texas. Mr. Self is a West Point grad and served all over the world during his 25 years in the Army. Texans are lucky to have him in Congress now fighting for them every day.

And last but certainly not least, Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia. Jen is a Navy veteran, military spouse, used the G.I. bill to become a geriatric nurse practitioner, and her kids are following her lead. We’re grateful to have her.

Each of these men and women bring a unique perspective to the table and I have no doubt they will serve those who have worn the uniform well.

Finally, I want to congratulate my good friend Mark Takano on his election to be the Ranking Member of the Committee.

Mark and I have served together for many years on this dais and I know that he shares my commitment to rolling up our sleeves and getting things done in a bipartisan way for veterans.

I look forward to working closely with him and the new and returning Democrat members on behalf of all veterans this year.

I now recognize Ranking Member Takano for his opening comments.