"Chris Smith has been a strong Republican advocate for veterans in Washington. He put the needs of veterans before party politics, something the House Republican leadership is increasingly unwilling to accept.
"This action is unfortunate news to the millions of veterans who lobbied hard on Chris' behalf to keep his post. It's also another example of how rightwing extremists have taken control of the Republican Party in Washington. These extremists refuse to listen to anyone who doesn't agree with them, including moderate voices in their own party. There is simply no room for moderates in today's Republican Party. Chris deserved better treatment."