EAST MILLINOCKET, Maine – A congressman who takes pride in his service to veterans was named the new ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud of East Millinocket assumes his position immediately due to the recent resignation of California U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, a Democrat from San Diego who is now that city’s mayor, officials said.
“I’m humbled and honored to be named to this position, and I thank my colleagues for the support they’ve given me,” Michaud said in a statement released Wednesday. “While we’ve come a long way over the last few years, much work remains.”
“Whether it’s veteran employment, VA claims backlogs, or the latest health care needs, our veterans deserve a committee that will deliver results,” the 2nd District congressman added. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to live up to our shared commitment to those that served and gave up so much on behalf of us all.”
One of Michaud’s colleagues on the committee, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., praised his selection as ranking member.
“This isn’t a red issue or blue issue, it’s an American issue,” said Walz, a 24-year U.S. National Guard veteran who is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress. “No one understands this better than Rep. Michaud. Over the years, he’s proven time and time again to be a steady, staunch advocate for our nation’s veterans, and I’m proud he’ll be serving as ranking member of this committee.”
Maine has the second largest population of veterans per capita in the country, and Michaud said he has consistently made improving the services provided to veterans a priority.
He has helped a number of veterans bills become law, including legislation to expand access to care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, improve reimbursement rates for state veterans homes, and provide additional resources to the caregivers of veterans. Michaud was also a leading advocate of advanced appropriations for VA health care, an updated GI Bill, and historic increases in funding for the VA, his office said in a press release.
Michaud was re-elected last month with 58 percent of the vote, defeating Republican challenger and state Senate President Kevin Raye of Perry.
This really is good news for Maine’s Veterans.
Congratulations Mike!! Job well done!
Hey… He only got the job by default. He outlived every other Democrat.
House committee assignments are not based on seniority.
Oxford Guide to the US Government:
ranking members in Congress
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/ranking-members-in-congress#ixzz2EDsGus3M
At the beginning of each Congress, minority party members of each
committee elect their ranking member, usually the person with the most
seniority on that committee. However, party rules limit the number of
committees and subcommittees on which someone may be the ranking member.
In cases where the most senior member is already the ranking member of
another committee, the next most senior member generally moves up to the
ranking position.
The ranking member appoints and supervises the
minority staff of a committee or subcommittee and looks out for the
minority party’s interests in all committee business.
A committee chairman will try to work closely with the ranking member
in order to maintain goodwill and to keep their committee as united as
possible when reporting legislation out to the full House or Senate.
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/ranking-members-in-congress#ixzz2EDs4BezF
Congratulations Congressman Michaud. This is great news. They certainly made the appropriate choice for this position.
Congratulations Congressman Michaud, we Mainers all know your the best man for the job! This is great news for the State of Maine and all our Veterans! Good luck Mike!
This is no easy job, Congratulations Mr. Mike Michaud.
How About This for Supporting the Troops: What Always Should Have Been, Citizens Sacrifice!!
The Country Owes ‘Big Time’ to These Veterans
The country had already abandoned the Veterans of the previous decades and our wars since WWII and the many issues ignored, PTS, Agent Orange, Desert Storms Gulf War Syndrome and so many more while under funding the VA and really so in the past decade plus. Many many of the brothers and sisters of have passed on because of and now many of these recent Vets have also. These brothers and sisters shouldn’t have to continue the same battles on their home turf.
USN All Shore ’67-’71 GMG3 Vietnam In Country ’70-’71
Couldn’t have gone to a more deserving Congressman.