U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, announced on Thursday that he won't be seeking another term and will be retiring from Congress.
“Fifteen years ago when Vicki and I were praying about running for Congress, we could have never imagined what may lie ahead,” Miller said. “As we made our decision, we knew there would come a day when it would be time to pass the torch. That day has come, and I am announcing I will not seek reelection to Congress.”
First elected to Congress in a special election back in 2001, Miller represents the Panhandle, one of the most conservative and Republican leaning areas in Florida. While Miller never fulfilled his ambition of leading the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, he did lead the Veterans Affairs Committee, something he noted on Thursday. Miller faced minor opposition during his various bids to stay in Congress and was never in any real jeopardy since winning the seat.
“As the first Republican member of Congress to take the oath of office after the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001, the safety and security of this country have never left my mind. I sought positions on the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees – two places where I felt I could best represent my district and make a difference for the entire nation,” Miller said, pointing to VA clinics established in his district during his time in Congress. He also highlighted some of his other efforts.
“After a host of powerful storms, including a 2004 Hurricane named Ivan, we worked together to rebuild our community time and again,” Miller said. “When the Deepwater Horizon disaster affected the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding communities, we passed the RESTORE Act, which will help our community recover for years to come. And after exposing VA’s delays in care and accountability crises, we wrote and passed the most significant reform bill in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Some of our greatest successes, however, are unknown to most,” Miller added. “Things like cutting through red tape to help a widow, assisting a veteran with a disability benefits compensation claim or mediating a bureaucratic dispute for a constituent rarely make front-page news. But they are important responsibilities every member of Congress has a duty to fulfill. Thanks to my dedicated staff, a group that has always understood the importance of providing first-rate constituent services, we have made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors.
“There is still more to accomplish before I depart,” Miller continued. “I intend to complete my tenure as House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman while maintaining the same robust oversight of VA that has defined my chairmanship. As we approach the markup and consideration of the annual Defense Authorization Bill, I will do everything in my power to ensure our Armed Services remain the finest and most equipped fighting force in the world. And in an ever dangerous world, I will continue my service on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.”
Miller did not express a preference for who replaced him in what should be a secure district for Republicans. After the latest round of redistricting, the now open seat would include all of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties and most of the population of Holmes County.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
