Veterans
Principles
- Deliver quality health care for veterans
- Ensure veterans receive their entitled benefits
- Improve the military awards process
As a Marine veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I fully understand the needs and sacrifices of our service members and their families. Our commitment to our military men and women does not cease when their active service to our country ends—caring for our veterans must remain a top priority in Congress.
Speaking with local veterans at San Diego’s Veterans Day parade
San Diego has a large, active veteran population and it is important that those who wore the uniform for their country have access to quality and affordable care. For this reason, I strongly support efforts that will ensure adequate health care funding for our military families and retirees as well as preserve retirement benefits.
I am also working to address the unacceptable backlog in processing benefits at the Veterans Administration. As highlighted in a column I wrote, the average processing time for benefit applications is 273 days, and in some areas of the country, the wait approaches two years. For this reason, I authored a letter to President Obama urging him to take action on this important issue.
I have also authored a number of measures to improve the military awards process. H.R. 833 would ensure that the Purple Heart is not ranked lower than the Distinguished Warfare Medal. H.R. 1186 would award the Congressional Gold Medal to two Navy Seals that were killed while defending the American consulate in Libya. H. Con. Res. 26 would recommend that Raphael Peralta, a Marine who sacrificed his life in Iraq to protect his fellow Marines, be awarded the Medal of Honor. I also offered an amendment to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act to name a Navy ship for Raphael Peralta.
Can I help?
My staff is available in El Cajon or Temecula to help you with any issues you or someone you may know could be experiencing with the federal government. Additionally, my office has flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol available for purchase. Click here for contact information for my district offices.
Resources for you:
- If you are a veteran or currently serving in the Armed Forces and are having difficulties with benefits or medical care, my office can assist as well as answer any questions. Please click here for additional information.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a number of services for veterans. For more information, click here.