Pelosi Announces Filner as Acting Ranking Member of Veterans Affairs Committee

Pelosi Announces Filner as Acting Ranking Member of Veterans Affairs Committee

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that with the unanimous consent of the House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee, she has named Congressman Bob Filner of California as acting Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Congressman Filner temporarily takes over the position from Congressman Lane Evans of Illinois, whose health prevents him from conducting his duties as Ranking Member.

"Congressman Evans is an outstanding Ranking Member," said Pelosi. "He is a relentless advocate for veterans, fighting to secure compensation for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and for investigations into Gulf War syndrome. He has raised awareness about the mental health needs of veterans and service members and is a champion for the benefits that our veterans earned and deserve. In recent years, however, he has had to fight a different kind of battle - against Parkinson's disease. The thoughts and prayers of our Caucus are with Lane Evans as his struggle continues."

"Congressman Filner is a powerful and passionate voice for Veterans on the Committee," Pelosi said. "He has been on the forefront of House Democrats' efforts to fully fund veteran's health care, eliminate the Widow's Tax, and ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs creates an outreach plan to enroll eligible veterans for benefits and inform them of changes in their benefits."

http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=1588