Issue Position: Fighting for Our Military Retirees

Issue Position

SECURING BETTER BENEFITS FOR OUR VETERANS

The men and women who have selflessly put their lives on the line to protect ours deserve our gratitude and our commitment to take care of them both in the field and after they return home. That's why I am committed to supporting and honoring our veterans in every way possible. I have consistently voted for increased compensation for both soldiers and retirees.

Recently, I joined my colleagues in the House in passing the Wounded Warriors Act which strengthens the health care systems of both the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Defense. The exposure of substandard care at Walter Reed is a poignant reminder that we cannot take these systems for granted.

I have also proudly cosponsored various bills which end the Disabled Veterans Tax, the Military Families Tax, and the GI Tax; increase survivor benefits for families with minor children; provide concurrent receipt for veterans who have earned their retirement pay and qualify for disability pay; offer COLAs for housing and disability benefits; and address the health care.

And, as a new generation of veterans comes home from Iraq and Afghanistan, we need to be ready to support their particular needs. I am a cosponsor of several to promote and support programs that help veterans with post-deployment mental health issues and increase combat veterans' access to other mental services.

In addition, I have introduced H.R. 508, the Bring the Troops Home and Iraq Sovereignty Restoration Act that would guarantee that our military retirees will not have to fight every year for physical and mental health care when returning from operations in Iraq.

You can count on me to continue fighting for the best treatment for the men and women who fought for us. Our government must provide the respect and recognition veterans deserve for their service to our nation.

Source