January 31, 2019

Representative Levin to Chair House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) announced that he will Chair the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, a significant assignment for a freshman lawmaker and a position that will allow him to prioritize veterans around Camp Pendleton and those across the 49th District. Levin will also serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

“As the grandson of a World War II veteran and the Representative for Marine Corps Base Pendleton, I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity,” said Representative Levin. “America’s veterans have sacrificed for our freedom, and it is our responsibility to honor that sacrifice by supporting them in their civilian life. Sadly, many veterans struggle to find economic success, and we must do more to provide robust educational benefits, job opportunities, and access to affordable housing. I look forward to working with Chairman Takano and members of both parties on the committee to deliver results and improve the lives of our nation’s veterans.”

"I look forward to working with newly selected Vice Chair Conor Lamb (PA-17) and Subcommittee Chairs, Representatives Julia Brownley (CA-26), Mike Levin (CA-49), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Elaine Luria (VA-02), and Susie Lee (NV-03), and I welcome their leadership and enthusiasm,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano.

"In this Congress our committee will focus on addressing the needs of underserved veterans and improving access to care and benefits for all of those who have served our country. We will fight to prevent unaccountable individuals from exerting their influence on VA, protect whistleblowers, and work to create a culture within VA that assures we recruit and retain the best employees and clinicians to serve our veterans. I welcome the opportunity to take on these challenges, build on our history of bipartisanship, and live up to the promise we have made to our nation's veterans,” added Chairman Takano.

The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity has jurisdiction over the veterans’ education, employment and training, vocational rehabilitation, housing programs, readjustment of servicemembers to civilian life, and servicemembers civil relief. Representative Levin has previously spoken out about the importance of protecting the V.A. from privatization efforts, improving veterans health care and services, and expanding job opportunities for those who have served.

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