Our nation owes our veterans a debt of gratitude we can never fully repay. We owe them quality medical care, accessible education and a guarantee that their sacrifices were not made in vain. I have worked to increase and improve benefits for our nation's veterans and the veterans' budget has increased 94% since I have come to Congress.
I was proud to help establish four outpatient clinics for veterans in the First District to ensure veterans have easy access to quality medical care. I also worked to increase the mileage reimbursement for veterans forced to drive long distances to VA hospitals for their healthcare. Last Congress, I was pleased to support a 21st Century G.I. bill that provides $62.8 billion over the next decade to expand the educational benefits the United States offers to the brave men and women who have served since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The new education program the bill establishes provides up to 36 months in lump-sum tuition payments equal to the highest in-state tuition rate in each state, a monthly housing stipend and a $1,000 annual payment for books and supplies.