Freshman congressman Beto O'Rourke has been appointed to the House Committee of Veterans Affairs and promises to bridge the gap in services for veterans. 

In El Paso there are an estimated 200 homeless veterans who gave service to their country honorably. Another 90,000 veterans face a backlog in disability claims, said O'Rourke.

"We simply are not getting the job done for a group of people who have literally put their lives on the line for this country and for communities like El Paso. So, this is absolutely unacceptable to me," said O'Rourke.

For some El Paso veterans the news of O'Rourke's appointment brings them lots of hope as the U.S. military transitions from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

One El Pasoan, David Nevarez, who has experienced backlog with his disability claim hopes that O'Rourke will bring assistance and improve services. Nevarez is a former marine veteran with an injured back and knee, as a result from runner's knee during his military days, and has been unable to be gainfully employed. 

"We serve this country, we deserve better treatment. It's plain and simple," said Nevarez.

Congressman Beto O'Rourke hopes to bridge the gap in services for veterans. O'Rourke now carries the tourch that once was held by long term Congressman Silvestre Reyes, who was well regarded for his contribution to Fort Bliss during his tenure on the Armed Forces Committee.