Dear members of the Democratic Caucus of the House of Representatives,

On behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, we strongly urge you to support Congressman Tim Walz as the next ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The ranking member of this committee is a critical partner for veteran service and advocacy organizations in ensuring bipartisan cooperation, legislation and solutions to improve the lives of America’s veterans and their families. It is, therefore, critical that the caucus support and select the most qualified member of the committee to serve as its ranking member.

Mr. Walz, having served for 24 years in the Army National Guard, is the highest-ranking enlisted service member to ever serve in Congress, and his military experience has and will continue to significantly enhance the caucus’ contributions to this committee. He has been intimately involved in helping pass legislation to improve care to wounded veterans, to help veterans seeking employment after they leave service and to eliminate the red tape that veterans must navigate in order to receive their benefits, among many other notable accomplishments.

Mr. Walz has also proven through his focused ideas, thoughtful questions and proactive engagement while serving on the committee that he is the most qualified candidate. His outreach to and collaboration with the veteran service and advocacy community is among the most dynamic of any Member of Congress and has illustrated his dedication to issues that affect our members and the wider military and veteran community.

Lastly, Mr. Walz shows up for hearings and committee business, listens attentively to witnesses, is critical and inquisitive when necessary, and is an overall productive contributor to the veterans affairs discourse.

Therefore, IAVA strongly encourages you to support Mr. Walz for ranking member of HVAC.

Thank you for your time, attention, and careful consideration of our views.

 

Paul Rieckhoff

founder and executive director

Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America

New York