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1/6/2017 3:04:24 PM
First District Rep. Tim Walz's bid to become to the lead Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs got a major boost this week.
Members of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee voted 31-19 on Wednesday to recommend Walz for the post. But the battle for the leadership post is not over yet. Walz's chief competition for the post, California Rep. Mark Takano, wants all 197 House Democrats to decide who gets the position. The House Caucus is expected to vote next week — possibly as early as Wednesday.
Takano has been serving as the lead Democrat on the committee since the previous leader — Florida Rep. Corrine Brown — was indicted on fraud charges. Brown lost her re-election bid this year.
In a statement, Walz said he is "humbled and grateful" to receive the steering committee's support.
"We have work to do to ensure that every veteran has access to the benefits and care they have earned. I look forward to bringing a soldier's perspective to the 115th Congress and working with veterans, the VA and my colleagues to hold up our nation's promises to those who have served and sacrificed," Walz said.
This is Walz's second run for the veterans committee post. In 2014, he lost to Brown, who had the backing of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. At that time, Democratic leaders blocked Walz from even being considered for the spot based on a technicality. This time around, Walz said he had been assured by party leaders he would have a fair shot at post.
Tim Walz
Congress
