WASHINGTON (March 28, 2006) - “I want to extend heartfelt praise and best wishes for my colleague, Rep. Lane Evans on his decision to retire. His passion for fighting on behalf of his constituents and veterans in this country will be greatly missed.  A public servant for much of his life, one cannot argue with his decision to put his health needs first.  We have a lost a strong voice in the U.S. Congress, the Illinois Delegation and the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where he was the ranking Democrat. Rep. Evans’ presence and contributions will be felt for years to come.”