Our nation's servicemen and women are the most important assets of our military. At a time when America's armed forces and Veterans Affairs system are being taxed to their maximum, Congressman Blumenauer is firmly committed to fulfilling America's promise to our troops. By both increasing and funding benefits such as health care, education, and job training, Congressman Blumenauer works to keep that promise.
Health Care
Like millions of Americans, veterans all too often are not getting heath care services they need and have earned. Congressman Blumenauer considers the shortfalls in veterans' health care funding to be unacceptable and has been a strong advocate, urging Congress to provide the resources to keep pace with the increasing costs of health care. During the 108th and 110th sessions of Congress, he worked with the leadership to increase spending for veteran's healthcare, research, and services by 60 percent. This was an important start to repairing the severe damage caused by underfunding the VA during the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Blumenauer also helped pass legislation that expanded access for returning combat veterans, low-income veterans, women veterans, and veterans who live in rural communities. He worked to change the requirements for service connection for Post Traumatic Stress and helped increase support for veterans' caregivers who carry the major daily burden of supporting injured family members.
Congressman Blumenauer firmly supports funding research initiatives, treatment programs, and empowering families to better care for their loved ones. He has used his voice in Congress to support improved VA outreach, increased mental health support, and adequate funding for veterans hospitals and health care. Blumenauer has questioned the quality and availability of quality healthcare for our soldiers returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has fought against funding cuts.
Blumenauer strongly supports efforts to establish and maintain a VA system that treats the full range of modern military trauma and continues to fight to ensure that those returning home receive the health care they deserve.
Benefits
Congressman Blumenauer has fought to ensure that the benefits promised to veterans, service members, and their families are there when they are needed.
Blumenauer has supported increased survivor benefits, an expanded GI Bill for the latest generation of soldiers, and benefits for the National Guard and Reserve befitting their greater military role. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he has focused his efforts on behalf of America's armed forces, supporting a range of tax measures to assist veterans and military personnel. One example is his effort to expand the Oregon Veteran's Home Loan Program.
As a staunch advocate for fair military pay, educational assistance, and increased economic opportunity, Congressman Blumenauer will continue to honor those who have served.
Congressman Blumenauer and his office work with veterans and military personnel to resolve individual issues with VA claims, the VA Medical Center, and military records and medals.