Also Serving on Natural Resources Committee, Overseeing Critical Colorado Issues

Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado Springs) was appointed yesterday as the Ranking Member of the Disabilities Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the Veterans Affairs Committee, an unusual honor for a new Member.  This subcommittee will have direct jurisdiction over the legislation he introduced his first day as a Member of Congress, establishing a veteran’s cemetery in the Pikes Peak region for the thousands of veterans who live in Southeastern Colorado.  Serving as Ranking Member means Rep. Lamborn will be the senior Republican on the subcommittee.

Rep. Lamborn currently serves on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and the House Natural Resources Committee.  He has also been placed “on leave” from the House Armed Services Committee and is accruing seniority on the committee until a vacancy arises. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said, "Rep. Lamborn will be a valuable addition to each of these committees. The military community is a significant part of Rep. Lamborn’s district and I expect him to provide his committees with an unique insight and perspective."

"I'm honored to serve on committees that are so vital to my district and our state," Rep. Lamborn said. "These committees are critically important to the issues facing Colorado and I am honored to have a voice on veteran’s issues, and water and land issues vital to our community.  My on leave appointment to the Armed Services Committee also ensures I can be a voice for the men and women who proudly serve our nation and my top priorities will continue to be securing our border, supporting our troops and winning the War on Terror.”

The House Committee on Natural Resources has jurisdiction over water, land, forestry, wildlife and Native American issues.  The Committee’s Ranking Member is Don Young (R-AL).

The House Committee on Veterans Affairs is responsible for reviewing veterans' programs and aims to strengthen existing laws concerning veterans with emphasis on health care, disability compensation, job training, education and a nationwide system of veterans' cemeteries. The Committee's Ranking Member, Steve Buyer (R-IN) welcomed Lamborn to the committee, "With such a large military constituency in the 5^th district, Doug will undoubtedly be a steadfast supporter of those veterans and will be a welcome addition to our committee."

The House Armed Services Committee, led by Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (R-CA), has significant oversight of the Department of Defense as well as a significant portion of the annual operating budget of the Department of Energy. “Doug’s experience in the statehouse will be a great asset to both the Veterans’ Affairs and Resources Committees,” said House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH).  “Although Rep. Lamborn has also been assigned to the Armed Services Committee, he has been placed on leave from the committee due to space limitations.  I look forward to working with him and have no doubt that he will make his mark on Washington on behalf of Colorado’s 5th district.”

"Doug’s leadership will be critical to strengthening our nation's defense forces and ensuring our servicemen and women are equipped with the resources they need to win the War on Terror. His insight will contribute to our progress on these fronts and I look forward to working with him on these important issues,” Boehner added.

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