Issue Position: Veterans Affairs
Issue Position
WHEN IT COMES TO AMERICA'S VETERANS, I BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING CORE PRINCIPLES -
All gave some, and some gave all. America's Veterans have seen valor and horror few can relate to, and countless times, from 1776 -- present day, saved American freedom and preserved hope for our world. We owe them a debt that we can never truly repay.
As the son of a World War II Navy Veteran, and a brother of three Veterans, I have both a personal and policy attachment to America's servicemen and women.
While Veterans sacrificed on the battlefield, families at home supported their loved ones and endured sleepless nights. We owe them support, assistance, and benefits.
Brave men and women who volunteered to stand up and fight for our country did not create the financial mess we are in -- they certainly should not be punished.
WITH THOSE PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE ME, I SUPPORT -
Ensuring active duty and retired service members have timely access and treatment in the Department of Defense and VA health systems
Authorizing full concurrent receipt of military retired pay and VA disability compensation
Setting bold VA goals for eliminating wait times, disability backlogs, and for partnering with local medical facilities in areas where distance or terrain prevents Veterans from traveling to VA clinics
Transition services for Iraq, Afghanistan, and Veterans of other conflicts to ease the transition from military to civilian life -- including job training and placement
Improving seamless transition between the Defense and VA health care/benefits systems
Strongly enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
Preserving and expanding the GI Bill
Vigorous prosecution of TRICARE fraud, waste, and abuse
I introduced H.R. 241, the Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act. This bipartisan bill requires that Veterans seeking primary and specialty care from a VA medical facility receive an appointment within 30 days. I had the privilege of testifying before the Veterans's Affairs Subcommittee on Health on this bill and the need for its implementation.
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