Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) was recognized for his leadership on veterans issues in Washington and selected to serve on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the 115th Congress. The committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA hospitals, veterans cemeteries, and legislation in Congress that effects veterans and their families.

During his time in Congress, Rep. Peters has introduced and passed legislation to enable VA medical centers to hire more mental health professionals, increase collaboration in the federal government to end veterans homelessness, and encourage the hiring of veterans for military construction projects. Rep. Peters has a strong record of supporting bipartisan reforms to increase accountability at VA hospitals, and helped launch zero8hundred, which is becoming a national model for helping veterans successfully transition to civilian life.

“From being a long-time partner to the veterans community in San Diego, to working on and passing legislation in Washington, standing up for veterans and their families has been one of my top priorities throughout my career in public service,” said Rep. Scott Peters. “I am honored and excited to bring this experience to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee to continue fighting for San Diego’s veterans.”

Rep. Peters continued, “Every year, 15,000 sailors and Marines transition out of the armed forces in San Diego, and about half of them stay here to begin civilian life. San Diego has the third largest population of veterans in the country, and we owe it to them and every veteran to ensure they have a good-paying job, an affordable place to live, and access to the healthcare and benefits they have earned. I will bring the innovative approaches that have worked for us in San Diego to the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and continue working across the aisle to increase accountability at the VA and keep our promises to our veterans and their families who have given so much in service to our country.”

Rep. Peters will now serve on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs for the duration of the 115th Congress.