November 14, 2006
Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) praised the Democrat members of the U.S. Senate today for selecting Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) to be the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. The Senator from Hawaii will take over when the Senate changes hands in January.

Here is Sen. Craig's statement:

"For the past two years it has been my honor to lead the Veterans' committee. I think we have achieved many great things ? reduced unemployment for veterans, increased benefits, decreased waiting times and cut the backlog on VA claims before the court. In addition, VA health care continues to be ranked among the best in the country.

"But the voters across America spoke on November 7 and a new majority will now lead the Senate and its committees. I am pleased that out of the change the Democrats in the Senate chose my good friend Sen. Danny Akaka to lead the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He and I traveled to Hawaii for a series of field hearings last year to listen to the unique concerns of the veterans there. Danny and I have a great working relationship and I look forward to working together closely with him in the new congress."

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