Patty Murray will lead Senate veterans committee

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., today was named the new chairwoman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “This is a great honor, but an even bigger responsibility,” Murray said in a news release. “I have a tremendous duty to the 22 million veterans across the country who have stepped up to serve our nation and who deserve the highest quality care, benefits, and treatment in return.” Murray has been a member of the committee since 1995. She has fought to give veterans access to quality care and benefits, has pushed for adequate funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and has worked to ensure the VA is preparing for an influx of new veterans. The Republican chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee said today a review is needed to ensure that money for veterans programs is spent wisely. But Murray says she will be watching Republicans “like a hawk” to ensure veterans get their financial due. Rep. Jeff Miller from Florida leads the House committee. His party has promised government-wide spending cuts. Murray says she’s heard promises before that veterans’ services wouldn’t be cut, only to find out they have. The House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees have jurisdiction over the VA, the nation’s second largest agency. It provides benefits checks and medical services to the nation’s 22 million veterans.