Mitchell Receives A+ Rating from IAVA for Continued Support for Nation's Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Harry E. Mitchell today received an A+ rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Action Fund for his continued and strong dedication to our nation's veterans and their families.

"I am honored to be recognized by the IAVA and proud of the work we have done on behalf of veterans and their families in Arizona and across the nation," said Mitchell. "We have a responsibility to our men and women in uniform. Our veterans have stood for us and it is our duty to stand for them."

Only 18 other members of the House and 1 Senator received an A+ rating along with Mitchell. [Source: IAVA]

"This session, Congressman Mitchell was one of only twenty legislators to receive an A+ in IAVA Action Fund's 2010 Congressional Report Card. We would like to thank him for his leadership on the key issues facing new veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Founder and Executive Director of IAVA Action Fund. "This Report Card is a critical tool for showing the American people who in Washington really supports Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and who just offers cheap rhetoric."

Earlier this year, the IAVA recognized Mitchell as someone who "went above and beyond, not just voting in support of our veterans but also working behind the scenes to bring crucial veterans' legislation to the floor." [Source: IAVA Congressional Report Card]

In 2008, Congressman Mitchell teamed up with Senator Jim Webb of Virginia to introduce and than pass the Post-9/11 GI Bill to provide enhanced educational benefits to veterans with active duty service, including men and women serving in the National Guard and Reserves, on, or after, September 11 2001. President Bush signed the Webb-Mitchell GI Bill into law on June 30, 2008.

In 2009, Mitchell was presented with American Legion Department of Arizona's "Distinguished Legislator Award' for his work on behalf of our nation's veterans. Previous Distinguished Legislator Award recipients include Sens. John McCain and Jon Kyl.

Mitchell currently serves as Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Mitchell's most recent work has focused on increasing outreach to veterans who need mental health services and are at risk of suicide. [Source: The Arizona Republic, "Taking time to consider those who really matter," August 20, 2010]

Source