Government has few obligations more sacred than caring for the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. When you hear the stories of our veterans, you know that we owe them a debt we cannot ever repay. But we can and must try.
A debt of honor cannot be repaid with words alone; it must be met with action, consistency, and a fundamental recognition of the challenges our veterans face after wearing the uniform.
Healthcare and Quality of Life
Providing for Veterans’ healthcare is a critical obligation, which is why I have been pursuing answers, calling for accountability, and seeking lasting solutions so that our country’s Veterans receive the care that they deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Beyond the walls of the VA, we must continue to address the specialized needs of the Veteran community–from mental health support to the unique bonds shared with service animals to expanding access to community-based clinics and telehealth. No matter the policy, the goal remains the same: high-quality, accessible care that respects the Veteran’s time and sacrifice.
Improved Access to Benefits
The state of the VA claims process is improving but more work remains to be done. I have supported Congressional efforts to address the backlog of disability claims that have plagued the system, and I will continue to support the actions and resources needed to resolve this continuing issue. Veterans should not be made to wait years before an initial rating decision is made or appeal is decided.
I continue to support legislative efforts to take care of our Veterans who may have been exposed to harmful chemicals while serving overseas, to combat Veterans’ homelessness, and to ensure that all Veterans receive full access to the benefits to which they are entitled.
Improved Access to Educational Opportunities
I am a proud advocate for legislation that makes it easier for Veterans to use their earned educational benefits. We are working to make necessary improvements and common-sense changes to the law to allow flexibility in educational benefit programs and to make sure that it is implemented as intended by Congress.
Our Veterans are our neighbors, our small business owners, and our mentors. I remain committed to ensuring that the federal government works as hard for Veterans as they have worked for us.
I will continue to listen, I will continue to advocate, and I will never stop striving to make good on the promises made to those who defended our way of life
Sharing Your Story
I encourage local veterans to participate in the Veterans History Project, a campaign organized by the Library of Congress that seeks to preserve the stories of veterans throughout the country as part of the national archive. One way to honor and give thanks to our war veterans is to have their personal experiences recorded. The collection of memories we have already gathered from the fourth district is priceless. If you would like to participate in the Veterans History Project, please click here.