While he did not win the gavel after former U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., retired, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., will stay as the vice chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee.
U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., who took Miller’s place as chairman of the committee, announced on Thursday that Bilirakis will retain his post as his vice chairman and appointed subcommittee chairmen.
“These incoming subcommittee chairmen have impressive backgrounds in public service, and many of them have served in the military,” Roe said. “They’ve each been tireless advocates for veterans, and I’m confident they will keep fighting to improve the lives of our nation’s heroes as chairmen of their respective subcommittees. I am also glad Rep. Bilirakis will continue serving as vice chairman. I look forward to working with Rep. Bilirakis and the subcommittee chairmen to pass meaningful legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs and continue the committee’s diligent oversight.”
For his part, Bilirakis sounded happy to keep the vice chairmanship, a post he has held since 2011.
“I’m honored to again have the chance to serve as vice chairman of the House VA Committee,” Bilirakis said. “With over 70,000 veterans in my district, and two major VA hospitals, I am committed to standing up for the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to improve care for veterans, and bring much-needed accountability and reform to the VA.”
Looking ahead, Bilirakis said he was looking forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, praising him for naming Dr. David Shulkin to be secretary of Veterans Affairs.
“I greatly look forward to working with Dr. Shulkin and President-Elect Trump to turnaround the culture of mediocrity that persists at the VA,” Bilirakis said on Wednesday after Trump announced he was appointing Shulkin. “For too long, our nation’s veterans have dealt with lengthy wait times, an unaccountable bureaucracy, and a severe lack of quality mental health services. I’m confident that under the leadership and vision of our new administration, veterans will start receiving the level of care they have earned and deserve.”
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