Issue Position: Caring for Servicemembers and Veterans

Issue Position

Issue Position: Caring for Servicemembers and Veterans

Caring for Servicemembers and Veterans
When we ask ordinary American men and women to do the extraordinary in the service of this country, we know we can never fully repay them or their families. But we can promise that we will give them everything they need when they are in the field, and everything they deserve in honor and care when their service has ended.

In 2007, I joined my colleagues in approving legislation that, for the first time, funded nearly 100 percent of the "Independent Budget," an annual proposal authored by American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. This legislation included more resources for veterans' medical care, VA hospitals, and medical research. I have also supported efforts to lift prohibitions on concurrent receipt, to provide early retirement eligibility to National Guard members and Reservists who have made enormous contributions since 9/11, and to eliminate the "widow's tax," which affects spouses of deceased service members whose DOD Survivor Benefit Plan is offset as a result of their VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. I was also proud to support legislation to renew the landmark commitment to America's veterans made in the World War II GI Bill. Under the new GI Bill passed by Congress and signed into law last year, qualifying service members will now receive full tuition, room, and board, strengthening our economy and offering our veterans the opportunity for a brighter future.

Too many troops returning from service abroad have found it difficult to obtain the services, benefits, and medical care they need. Comprehensive care for our veterans should be among our nation's highest priorities. In 2008 Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law, the Wounded Warriors Act, a bill I cosponsored that provides new resources to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, two conditions that afflict many of those who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I will continue to do all I can to support the men and women who serve this country in uniform. I am committed to upholding the solemn promise our Nation makes to every veteran, as stated so eloquently by Abraham Lincoln: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan."

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