Rep. Dan Swanson, a retired lieutenant colonel with a 27-year military background, has been appointed as the chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, making him the first Republican to chair an Illinois House committee in over a decade. Swanson, who received the offer from Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the appointment. Welch highlighted Swanson’s dedication to serving his country and veterans.
Swanson, known for his advocacy for veterans and sponsorship of bills related to emergency services, expressed excitement about leading the committee and working towards achieving more for Illinois veterans. His appointment comes as a significant shift in committee leadership, with Democrats historically holding a majority in the Illinois House.
Former chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, expressed support for Swanson, citing his dedication to veterans and distinguished military career. Swanson, known for his sense of humor, joked about implementing pushups for late committee members at meetings.
Capitol News Illinois, a nonpartisan news service, highlighted Swanson’s appointment as a historic moment in Illinois politics. Swanson’s extensive military background and dedication to veterans make him a fitting choice to lead the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, promising a bipartisan approach to addressing the needs of Illinois veterans.
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