One of my top priorities and highest privileges is working to ensure those “who shall have borne the battle” receive the services and support they have earned. It is an honor to serve as the Ranking Republican Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) this Congress. While I chaired the Committee the last two years, we accomplished historic reforms to improve the benefits and support provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Now, I look forward to ensuring these reforms... Read more

As an undergraduate student during the Vietnam War era, the topic was on our minds and in our conversations. I vividly remember the discussions. It was the mid-1960s, and students were debating professors and one another. Ideas were exchanged, opinions formed and unique perspectives shared. I saw first-hand how college campuses across the nation were hotbeds of free speech – some with which I vehemently disagreed, in all honesty. As a veteran myself, however, I fought to protect and defend this ... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. -Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1, a sweeping bill to federalize our election system, limit the free speech of certain citizens and provide billions of taxpayer funds for campaigns: “In my 10 years in Congress, this is among the worst pieces of legislation on which I have voted. I believe there are reasonable election reforms where both Republicans and Democrats can agree, especially if they were focused on encourag... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced James H. Quillen (Mountain Home) VA Health Care System will be one of the 18 medical facilities to lead the VA integrated health care system into a high reliability organization (HRO). “It is wonderful to hear our very own Mountain Home VA medical center was chosen as one of 18 VA medical center to set the high reliability standards for other facilities. I... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. -Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) reintroduced a resolution that reinforces First Amendment rights for all Americans on college campuses. This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that institutions of higher education should facilitate and recommit themselves to protecting and promoting the free and open exchange of ideas, and that free speech zones and codes are inherently at odds with the First Amendment. Roe released the following statement: “In my lifetime, I have s... Read more

Our country is a representative democracy, founded on the principle that all are created equal and every vote counts the same. Americans have the power to choose who represents them in our government, and it should stay that way. Democrats’ top legislative agenda item, H.R. 1, the so-called “For the People Act”, should really be renamed the “For the Politicians Act” since it is not actually for the people at all. I believe Congress can find a bipartisan campaign reform that benefits the people; ... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after introducing an amendment during a House Education and Labor Committee markup on H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act: “Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 will have a devastating effect on employment opportunities in rural communities like those across East Tennessee. The best way to get a job that pays more than the minimum wage is to have an opportunity, and without jobs, there aren’t as many opportunities. ... Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-LA), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (R-TN), Neal Dunn, M.D. (R- FL), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA) released the following statements after sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) applauding the agency’s proposed rule to limit the use of rebates: “I am pleased the Trump administration has taken action to ensure the over 43 mi... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs released the following statement applauding President Trump's continued effort to help veterans after he signed the Executive Order "President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS)”: "One of my top priorities for this Congress is reducing the number of veteran suicides. I am thrilled President Trump has taken the initiative to create a new Cab... Read more

WASHINGTON D.C. – Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a federal grant to Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc.: “One of my highest priorities in Congress is ensuring East Tennesseans have access to quality health care. As a physician, I am pleased to see such a strong investment of over $4.2 million being made to Rural Health Services Consortium, Inc. (RHSC). This vital funding will enable the organizat... Read more