Issue Position: Military & Veterans

Issue Position

Through the years, our veterans have displayed unmatched bravery. Their efforts to defend our country have required the most courageous of American soldiers to put their own lives on the line. It is important that their sacrifices be acknowledged appropriately. One of my main initiatives to recognize our veterans is to ensure they are receiving full benefits in education, healthcare and retirement. Members must continue to reach across the aisle to craft effective legislation that delivers on the promises we made to our recruits when they signed up.

On several occasions, I have had the opportunity to cosponsor bills that increase medical benefits for veterans and their families as well as maintain adequate compensation for military service. I have been a champion of legislation supporting our disabled veterans by offering them "concurrent receipt" which allows the simultaneous payment of two types of monetary benefits: military retired pay and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation.

Understanding the importance of healthcare, I have been a staunch supporter of the Veterans Physical Therapy Services Improvement Act of 2009, which would create the position of Director of Physical Therapy Service within the Veterans Health Administration to further develop geriatric, amputee rehabilitation and poly-trauma care research services.

As the 111th Congress continues to debate the issues on the floor, you can rest assured; I will consistently advocate for our veterans and fight for the respect they deserve. I will continue to urge my colleagues to pledge their commitment to honoring our soldiers of the past and the future by implementing policies that offer them the same security they have defended for us.

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