NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2016) – In response to Republican House leadership’s appointment of Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) to lead the House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC), IAVA released the following statement:

“Earlier this week, IAVA made clear that veteran leadership of the House Veterans Affairs Committee was critical whenever possible” said IAVA Chief of Staff, Allison Jaslow. “The appointment of Rep. Phil Roe as Chairman of the Committee indicates that Republican leadership heard that call and we hope Democrats move in a similar fashion at this critical time for the future of our VA.”

“We met with Rep. Roe just last month as he prepared for the upcoming Congress and appreciate his proactive approach to service on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. His service in the military and with the VA also give him a unique perspective on how we care for those defending our country when they return home. With so few veterans in halls of Congress to help shape the debate, it’s essential that we have leaders guiding the agenda for the work before the Committee and we are optimistic about the work we’ll get done together going forward.”

For more information, please see IAVA’s policy agenda for all elected officials.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the leading Post-9/11 veteran empowerment organization (VEO) with the most diverse and rapidly growing membership in America. As a non-profit founded in 2004, IAVA’s mission is to connect, unite and empower Post-9/11 veterans. Celebrating its 11th year anniversary, IAVA has connected more than 1.2 million veterans with resources and community, and provided more than 7,300 veterans with personalized support from IAVA’s Master’s level social workers.