Statement on Veterans Day

Statement

"Today we come together to honor our nation's 19 million veterans. I am so proud to represent over 24,000 of them. Our veterans answered the call from all walks of life and all corners of this globe, to serve and protect our great nation. Today and everyday we honor and appreciate them and all they gave to ensure the well-being and security of our country.

"Not only do veterans deserve our respect and recognition, they also deserve to know that their nation is there for them, just like they were there for their nation. As Congress continues to work towards a budget, we must ensure that we provide the necessary funding for VA programs and departments as well as other organizations that care for and employ our veterans. Last year alone, nearly 9.17 million veterans and their families enrolled in the VA health care system. Since 2010, more than 765,000 veterans and their family members have been permanently housed, rapidly rehoused, or prevented from falling into homelessness by VA and HUD's homelessness programs. And today, nearly 1.5 million veterans live in households that receive food assistance benefits.

"To that end, my colleagues in Congress and I remain committed to strengthening quality healthcare for veterans, providing the education assistance we have promised, and ensuring veterans have access to quality housing, food, child care, and small business loans. We will fight to protect the programs veterans rely on, like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and food assistance. And we will fight to end the invisible consequences of war that so many veterans face by providing more resources for mental health initiatives and suicide prevention outreach. Just as our veterans vowed to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we vow to leave no veteran behind when they return home.

"As a member of Congress, I will always stand up for our current and former armed service members and their families. I will continue to fight alongside you to make sure that our veterans are treated with dignity and respect, are properly cared for upon returning home, and can easily access the services and supports that they have earned. Today and throughout the year, I hope that you will take time to talk with and thank our veterans and military women and men. If you are a veteran yourself or if you know a veteran who may need assistance, I hope that you will reach out to me. My office and I are eager to do whatever we can to help you."

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