Representative Chet Edwards (D-TX)
Congressman Chet Edwards proudly represents portions of North Texas, Central Texas and the Brazos Valley in Washington. Since first elected to the United States Congress in 1990, Chet has gained seniority and influence and is now one of only 8 House members to serve as a senior member on both the House Budget and the Appropriations Committees. Chet also serves on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, co-chair of the House Army Caucus, and the USO Congressional Caucus.
As the Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Edwards is known as a national champion for America's veterans, troops, and their families. In 2007, he authored the largest increase in veterans funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration, an $11.8 billion increase. American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser called Edwards' record VA Appropriations bill, "a monumental achievement." This year, both the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars recognized Congressman Edwards' leadership with their national awards given to only one member of Congress. In 2007, he was awarded the Disabled American Veterans' "Going to Bat for Veterans" award for authoring the historic VA funding increases. Working with Speaker Pelosi in 2005, Congressman Edwards introduced the GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, which dramatically improved veterans' health care and benefits, and covered the full cost of a college education. Edwards then received the Military Order of the Purple Heart's "Inspirational Leadership" award in 2005. In 2008, Chairman Edwards played a key role in enacting the new GI Bill of Rights into law.
During his 18 year tenure in Congress including 11 years of seniority on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Edwards has developed a reputation of working hard and effectively for his Central Texas constituents. This reputation is the result of his commitment to protecting jobs and the local economy by making vital federal investments in key education, health, transportation, and water programs in the 17th District. Securing important federal investments for Fort Hood, the Central Texas Veterans' Health Care System, and university research programs at Baylor and Texas A&M Universities are also a primary focus of Congress Edwards' work in Washington.