Issue Position: Military & Veterans' Affairs

Issue Position

Colorado's Fifth District is the proud home to one of our nation's most military-intensive congressional districts and to more than 100,000 veterans who have served our country with distinction and honor. It is the countless sacrifices of our servicemen and women that have given us the freedom, prosperity, and way of life that make this country the greatest in the world. I am proud to have them as part of our local community.

Serving on the House Armed Services Committee and Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am able to advocate for our troops and veterans. I remain dedicated to fighting for better pay and full funding for our troops so that they can receive the best training and equipment available.

Knowing all the advantages that our District provides, I, along with other members of the Colorado delegation, have aided in the buildup of combat power at Fort Carson. I am currently engaged in working with the Army to bring a new Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to Fort Carson. The expansion of the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) is a delicate issue, but it is vital to better training for our soldiers as they prepare to fight the battles of the 21st Century. I am dedicated to working with all parties to create a win-win solution for everyone affected by the PCMS expansion issue.

Our veterans also deserve people-focused and results oriented service as they secure their benefits. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs of the House Veterans Affairs' Committee, I have been working on behalf of all veterans to make it easier for them to receive the benefits they deserve in a timely manner. I have also been able to push through legislation in the U.S. House seeking to establish a Veterans Cemetery in El Paso County. A final site is expected to be announced in fall of 2010. This will better serve the needs of our veterans and their families living in Southern Colorado. They deserve nothing less.

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