Congressman Mike Rogers met Tuesday with his Third District Veterans Advisory Committee in Opelika, a volunteer panel of Veterans across the Third District which advises Rogers on issues important to Veterans and their families.

During the meeting, Rogers and the advisory committee focused on issues like potential changes to TRICARE and the continuing effort to improve programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Last week, Rogers sent a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki concerning the lack of information regarding the implementation of a new initiative aimed at expediting compensation claims decisions for all Veterans who’ve waited for a year or longer. The massive backlog of claims is one of the more frustrating issues facing Veterans today.

“These men and women represent a myriad of folks who have served our country both at home and abroad. They have given us their best, and in return, our nation must keep its promise to them,” Rogers said. “These backlogs must be cleared up as soon as possible.”

Rogers thanked the Veterans for their ongoing willingness to serve on his committee. “I deeply appreciate the time these proud East Alabamians continue to take to help advise me on these critically important issues.”

The Veterans Advisory Committee meets several times each year across East Alabama. It is comprised of Veterans from every county across 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.