(WASHINGTON D.C.) Congressman Mike Rogers recently met with his Third District Veterans Advisory Committee in Talladega. This volunteer panel, made up of Veterans from across the Third District, meets regularly with Rogers and helps advise him on issues important to Veterans and their families.
During the meeting, Rogers and the advisory committee listened to a presentation and update from the Congressional Liaison Patient Advocate, Brett Robbins from VAMC in Birmingham. Rogers said he also would continue to do all he could to help reduce the ongoing backlog of cases at the Veterans Administration. Recently Rogers voted to pass H.R. 2189, which would establish a commission or task force charged with examining the root causes of the Department of Veterans Affairs disability claims backlog and providing solutions for ending it by 2015.
“Hopefully our Veterans believe these meetings are an effective way for them to keep up to date on pressing issues and to talk directly with me about their concerns. They certainly provide me a great, firsthand opportunity to hear specific issues that may be on folks’ minds,” Rogers said.
“Congressman Rogers and his staff are always available to answer questions from the Veterans community. These meetings give us the opportunity to hear from experts and have our concerns addressed,” said Jim Heigl of Sylacauga. Mr. Heigl is a charter member of Chapter 945 of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Rogers thanked the Veterans able to attend the meeting. “I appreciate these proud Veterans taking time out of their busy schedules to be a part of this group and to continue to help advise me on issues and concerns important to our Veterans across East Alabama. We thank them all for their service to our great Nation.”
The Veterans Advisory Committee meets throughout the year across East Alabama and is made up of Veterans from the 13 counties in the Third District.
Rogers serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee and is a senior member of the House Agriculture and House Armed Services Committees.