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   2001-01-12: Filner Principi
Washington 
     D.C
Capitol Building
 
The Jewish Citizen

Filner lauds appointment of Principi
as new secretary of veteran affairs

San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, Jan. 12, 2001
 
Washington D.C. (Special) -- Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego), who is the second ranking Democrat on the House Veteran Affairs Committee, was pleased when President-elect George W. Bush named fellow San Diego County resident Anthony Principi to be secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Filner told HERITAGE that he admired a recommendation which Principi made last year while chairing a congressionally-mandated commission studying how to ease the transition from military to civilian careers. 

The commission called for the government to pay tuition and a stipend for veterans who enroll in a university, instead of a flat $500 per month fee. "It was a good report," said Filner. "I liked it, but the Republicans didn't like it. If he will speak up for the veterans, I am all for him."

Because Principi is a resident of Rancho Santa Fe, and therefore knows the situation in San Diego County, Filner said he is hopeful that the Cabinet secretary-designate will support a proposal to construct a new veteran's cemetery in San Diego. "Fort Rosecrans if filled up," the congressman said. -- Donald H. Harrison