Veterans
![Army veteran saluting Army veteran saluting](https://webharvest.gov/congress113th/20141206113302im_/http://cole.house.gov/sites/cole.house.gov/files/styles/section_front_boilerplate/public/veterans.jpg?itok=Q8D5qqVr)
Our veterans have given so much on behalf of our country; I believe it is our responsibility to use our resources to make their lives and the lives of their families more comfortable. I understand and respect the sacrifice that so many have made for our great country, which is why I will continue to work to ensure that every veteran receives appropriate compensation for their tremendous sacrifice.
I am committed to eliminating the claims backlog at the Veterans Benefits Administration. All veterans deserve to receive their benefits in a timely and consistent manner, and clearing the current backlog will help us reach this goal.
I remain concerned as to how the VA Health Care system will fit in, and work with, the newly adopted health care reform plan. Due to the very deep fiscal obligations associated with the new health care reform, I will remain committed to ensuring that our veterans maintain their own unique system of access.
As a member of both the House Budget Committee and the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations, I have been working with my colleagues to find a solution that will preserve pay, benefits, and incentives for the military, retirees and veterans and at the same time can address out of control spending. Ongoing proposals to raise TRICARE deductibles, premiums and co- pays for beneficiaries remain a principle concern for military service members, retirees and their families. I fully understand that TRICARE is an earned benefit and I am opposed to a “tiered” enrollment fee structure or “means-testing” for service members, retirees, and their families. I understand that the unique military retirement and healthcare package is the primary incentive for top-quality people to endure the extraordinary demands and sacrifices inherent in a 20-30-year military career. Proposals to raise fees and change benefits, especially when all indications are that costs have been actually decreasing, is counterproductive and is a disservice to our retired and active duty service members and their families.