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Representative Evans vows to press a veterans package, flags $2 million in targeted funds
Summary
Representative Evans told colleagues he will push a veterans package this session, citing staffing and budget shortfalls at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and saying Oregon has about 230,000 veterans in need; he criticized rhetoric over symbolism and said he will pursue legislative action.
Representative Evans used his opening-floor remarks to make veterans services a stated top priority for the session, saying he will "shake the foundations" of the building to advance a veterans package. He said federal VA staffing and budget changes have increased unmet needs and that "we have 230,000 veterans that need their services."
Evans objected to symbolic gestures and platitudes and singled out a specific funding point in his remarks: what he called an "unobligated, targeted funding" amount that had become, in his words, "the most important $2,000,000 in the in the universe." He emphasized the need to pursue available funds and to build a coalition to deliver services for veterans rather than accepting excuses.
Evans said he would use all lawful means to advance the agenda and challenged lobbyists and outside interests to expect vigorous scrutiny of proposals that he believes will affect veterans’ access to care and benefits. The remarks reflected a promise to prioritize veterans in committee work and sponsorship strategies during the session; no formal bill text or committee motion was introduced during the recorded opening remarks.
