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Rep. Phil Roe to seek re-election

Roe, 72, has been a key part of Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and has worked to improve services for veterans.

Rep. Phil Roe will seek re-election this fall.

The Republican from Johnson City, who is a retired obstetrician-gynecologist, is currently serving his fifth two-year term in Congress, and currently chairs the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

"When I first ran for Congress, I wanted to lend my expertise as a doctor to the debate over how to improve our nation’s health care system. As a veteran, I also felt strongly about improving the care and benefits that our nation’s heroes receive," he wrote in a statement. "I believe I can help ensure East Tennesseans’ voice is heard loud and clear on some of the most important issues facing our region and nation. We are making real progress on behalf of East Tennessee, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our country. For this reason I’ve decided to seek another term in Congress."

Roe, 72, has been a key part of Republican efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and has worked to improve services for veterans.

"There are more than 65,000 veterans in the First Congressional District, and I believe they’re counting on me to finish what we’ve started. They deserve a choice in their health care, timely access to the benefits they’ve earned and a VA that works for them," he said in the statement.

Roe represents District One, which encompasses the northeastern tip of Tennessee, and includes Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson and Sevier counties.

Full statement by Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.)

"When I first ran for Congress, I wanted to lend my expertise as a doctor to the debate over how to improve our nation’s health care system. As a veteran, I also felt strongly about improving the care and benefits that our nation’s heroes receive. After being selected by my colleagues to chair the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and to co-chair of the House GOP Doctors Caucus, I believe I can help ensure East Tennesseans’ voice is heard loud and clear on some of the most important issues facing our region and nation. We are making real progress on behalf of East Tennessee, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our country. For this reason I’ve decided to seek another term in Congress.

"Over the last year, I believe we’ve made great strides toward comprehensive reform of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Already this Congress, we’ve delivered reforms to bring real accountability to VA, and improved the GI Bill by guaranteeing eligible veterans can utilize the benefit for life. Still, there is a lot of unfinished business left on the table. There are more than 65,000 veterans in the First Congressional District, and I believe they’re counting on me to finish what we’ve started. They deserve a choice in their health care, timely access to the benefits they’ve earned and a VA that works for them.

"East Tennesseans deserve a member of Congress who will stand for their conservative values. Our tax bill has the economy moving in the right direction, and jobs are finally coming back. I look forward to discussing my campaign with you, and I thank East Tennesseans for their continued support and trust. I would also like to thank my family for their understanding as we’ve worked together over the last few months to make this decision. They are and will always be my priority, and I could not serve in this way without their love and support."

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