Veterans
As the proud son of a WWII B-17 bombardier, I am inspired and awestruck by the service of our men and women in uniform. These brave patriots who defend our Constitution, values, and freedoms deserve the very best in healthcare, education, and financial assistance. We owe them each a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and should ensure we are always doing everything we can to support them, including reforming our Department of Veterans Affairs. They deserve nothing less.
During the 115th Congress, my colleagues and I passed and President Trump signed into law a 2.4% pay increase for the military, bonuses for service members, and made permanent a temporary program to pay military widows and widowers. I have also co-sponsored legislation to issue grants assisting veterans pursuing higher education, housing stipends for individuals affected by extended school closures due to natural disasters, and for the VA to provide in-patient psychiatric care for certain veterans. I remain committed to working tirelessly on behalf of our veterans who commit their lives to keeping us safe.
Our Nation’s Veterans Deserve Better.pdf
More on Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, announced the start of this year’s Veterans History Project, a nation-wide preservation effort with the Library of Congress.
When Ronald Reagan took to the stage in his only debate against Jimmy Carter in 1980, he asked the American people one simple question: “are you better off than you were four years ago?” The answer was a resounding “no!”
Just over two years ago, the American people were again asked this question, and again could not respond positively. My colleagues and I heard from our constituents that they had become disillusioned by our country’s direction. The idea of providing their kids with a better life was quickly slipping away and the American Dream was disappearing.
The eyes of Texas are upon our military service men and women this 150th Memorial Day – the men and women who courageously fought, and bravely dedicated their life in defense of our own.
From our National Cemeteries in Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Kerrville, and San Antonio, to our local burial grounds, we will be paying an indebted gratitude to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
At 3pm local time, our nation will observe a moment of silence for these patriotic and intrepid souls.
We live in an increasingly dangerous world that requires bold American leadership. Our nation’s most effective tool for diplomacy has always been our resolute military serving as a deterrence. However, in recent years, we have witnessed our military readiness and capabilities decline beyond a state of alarm. The American people have given Republicans the opportunity to lead in Congress, with a promise that we would improve and restore the military prowess of the United States.
Veterans are the backbone of our country; Texas alone is home to 1.6 million of our nation’s finest men and women. Without those who have served, we would not be the great nation we are today - a nation that is a champion of democracy and freedom worldwide. While it is impossible for us to properly express our profound respect and appreciation for all of our brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, we can continue to work to improve their quality of life once they take off the uniform.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) issued the following statement following a Los Angeles Times report that some California National Guard soldiers are being forced to pay back signing bonuses given to them a decade ago.