When the 110th Congress convenes on Thursday January 4, members of the California delegation will be taking on some new roles. Two San Diego Democrats are looking forward to the change. Benjamin Shaw reports fromCapitol Hill. In both the Senate and House, California Democrats have new power as committee chairs. San Diego Democratic Representative Bob Filner will lead the House Veterans Committee. Filner says this role will enable him to help veterans in San Diego and beyond.
Filner: I also represent Imperial County -- it’s a rural area. I hope that we can get a full service clinic into Imperial County. But all the issues that veterans have in San Diego they have around the country.
On the flip side, San Diego will loose some clout. San Diego Republican Representative Duncan Hunter will no longer chair the Armed Services Committee – that job will go to Democrat Ike Skelton of Missouri.
Davis: I think San Diego is going to be well served by him.
San Diego Democrat, Congresswoman Susan Davis.
Davis: Congressman Hunter played a role for San Diego. But it’s also important that on that committee we provide the kind of oversight that’s necessary.
Davis, a member of the Armed services committee, says oversight was lacking during the Republican controlled congress.
Republican Brian Bilbray says San Diego won’t be forgotten by the committee.
Bilbray: I don’t think Mr. Hunter’s influence is going to be substantially curtailed because the new chairman has a personal friendship with him.
Bilbray says his own friendship with Democrats such as Bob Filner is very strong – adding he and other California lawmakers will be reaching across the aisle to fight for San Diego in the 110th Congress.
From Capitol Hill, Benjamin Shaw, KPBS News.
