ST. PAUL — Minnesota U.S. Rep. Tim Walz has been passed over for the top Democratic spot on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

The ranking member slot instead went to Florida Rep. Corrine Brown, who was next in line in seniority on the committee and was endorsed by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Walz has served on the committee since he was first elected to the House in 2006.

The 1st District congressman spent 24 years with the Army National Guard and is the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to serve in the House.

Walz was backed by outgoing chairman Rep. Michael Michaud, of Maine, and by veterans groups.