A plea to Rep. Filner, recruit Rep. Fossella

Dear Madame Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Filner,

It has come to my attention through an article at the Army Times that Rep. Filner will take over the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and thus the recipient of this probably unusual request. I am writing to suggest that you use your influence to suggest that Rep. Fossella (R-NY) is assigned to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs as opposed to one of the other committees he served on in the last term, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Financial Services.

As you may know the thirteenth Congressional district here in New York is home to the Brooklyn VA Medical Center as well as Fort Hamilton. Both of these Rep. Fossella proudly claims he was an integral part of saving them from recent closure this past year. In fact in one of his five debates with his Democratic opponent this past fall, saving these two local institutions was third most important reason he gave his constituents to re-elect him. Thus it is no overstatement to say that Veterans' issues are crucial to him and his district, and a main reason why I think his services on that committee would be more meaningful.

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has lost two of its Republican members; Rep. Michael Bilirakis (retired), Rep. Jeb Bradley (lost re-election) as well as having a prior vacancy. Thus there appears as though there may be some room on this committee for Rep. Fossella and his new found dedication for Veterans Issues.

Aside from the local benefits of having Rep. Fossella in a position to work hard to protect our VA Hospitals, we place the Democratic candidate in 2008 in a stronger financial position to make this seat competitive. Rep. Fossella receives large amounts of financial support from the industries that benefit from limited oversight by these two committees; financial institutions and real estate/housing. Fossella's largest sector donations come from the Finance, Insurance and Real Estate sector, a total of nearly $1.5 million in donations and influence, $358,790 of that just in the last election cycle. This is about one third of his total warchest he used during the 2006 election.

While Rep. Fossella's prior position on the House Committee on Financial Services brought very little to the district a new seat on the House Committee on Veterans' Services can bring some much needed support and services to his own constituents. In closing I appreciate your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
the NY13 blog


Rep. Fossella with Rep. Buyer, former Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, touring the Brooklyn VA Hospital.