U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, today issued the following statement after Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL) announced that he would retire at the end of the 109th session: 

    “I had the pleasure of working very closely with Congressman Evans while Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,” said Smith. “Representative Evans always put partisanship aside and worked tirelessly on behalf of our nation’s veterans.”

    “A veteran himself, Congressman Evans always sought to do right by those who served in our armed forces,” said Smith. “I wish my friend Lane and his family a a happy retirement and know he will continue to be a constant advocate for those who have served our country.” 

    Evans served as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs during Rep. Smith’s term as Chairman.