In his 11 years of service and leadership with the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Zach Wamp has served on six of the 12 appropriations subcommittees. Now he will have the opportunity to take the lead on veterans’ issues through his new appointment as the top “ranking” Republican of the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
“While I haven’t served our country as a member of our Armed Forces, the highest honor I have is to serve those who serve,” said Congressman Wamp, who along with Chairman Chet Edwards (D-Texas) will lead the subcommittee.
“Being the top Republican on this panel gives me the opportunity to ensure that the promises we’ve made to take care of our veterans are being kept and that the quality of life for those serving is as good as possible.”
The subcommittee, commonly referred to as “MilCon-VA,” has jurisdiction over $64.7 billion in federal spending for:
The Department of Defense, military construction, Base Realignment and Closure Account (BRAC), and NATO Security Investment Program;
the Department of Veterans Affairs; and related agencies, including the American Battle Monuments Commission, Armed Forces Retirement Home, Department of Defense, Civil, Cemeterial Expenses, Army and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
“Being elevated to ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee that takes care of our men and women in uniform and the courageous veterans who have ensured our freedom is the greatest honor and highest privilege I have had in my professional life,” said Congressman Wamp.
His first hearing as the top Republican on the subcommittee will be on Thursday, Feb. 7, where he will receive testimony from the military’s top Non-Commissioned Officers about the quality of military life.
In addition to this new role, he will continue to serve as the second-most senior Republican on the Subcommittee on Energy and Water, which he said is essential for programs in East Tennessee such as the Chickamauga Lock and the modernization of the facilities at the Y-12 National Security Complex and the research missions at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.