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Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty

Representing the 5th District of Connecticut

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Veterans

One of the greatest honors I have as a Representative is to serve those who have served us and given so much to defend our nation. I strongly believe we must honor the commitments we make to our service members and veterans. Too many veterans are facing a backlog of disability benefits claims, an inadequate health care system, or difficulty securing good-paying jobs when they return home.

Since taking office, I’ve held roundtables and met with vets from across our district. After hearing from veterans in our district that they were facing delays of months and even years in seeking replacement military decorations, I introduced the PROMPT Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law, to make sure our vets don’t face absurd delays in for the medals they’ve earned in courageous service to our country.

I also championed successful efforts to increase suicide prevention awareness and outreach for servicemembers, reduce military sexual assault, and strengthen the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program.

Most of all, I want to emphasize to those of you who are veterans, currently serving, or if you have friends, family, or neighbors who are, my office is here to assist you. In addition to helping secure medals, we are proud to provide a variety of support on a range of federal issues including gaining access to medical benefits, records of service, home loans, and educational benefits. Visit my help center to learn more or call my New Britain Office at (860) 223-8412. For more information, visit my veterans’ resources page.

For more information on my work and views on veterans' issues or to let me know your thoughts, questions or concerns, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

More on Veterans

Esty Bill to Rename Oakville Post Office Passes House

December 12, 2018 Press Release

On Tuesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6335, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) to rename the post office located at 322 Main Street in Oakville, Connecticut as the “Oakville Veterans Memorial Post Office.” Esty had previously introduced the bill this past July to honor and recognize the servicemen and women of Watertown and surrounding communities.

Esty to Attend Veterans Day Ceremony at CCSU

November 9, 2018 Press Release

On Monday, November 12, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) will attend Central Connecticut State University’s (CCSU) Veterans Day ceremony. At the ceremony, Esty will join state and university officials in honoring three outstanding veteran for their military service, as well as their service to the CCSU community and beyond.

This year, Esty will join CCSU in presenting three service recognitions to the following recipients:

Esty Praises House Opioid Bill, Funding for Female Veterans

September 28, 2018 Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) praised her Republican and Democratic colleagues coming together to pass H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act. The bill also included language from Esty’s bill, H.R. 4635, Women Veterans Peer Counseling Enhancement Act, which would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for women veterans. The Women Veterans Peer Counseling Enhancement Act took language and initiatives from Esty’s original bill, H.R. 2452, the Deborah Sampson Act, which Esty introduced in March 2017.

Esty Sees Burn Pits Legislation Signed Into Law

September 26, 2018 Press Release
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) celebrated H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, being signed into law after it was announced that on Friday, September 21, that President Trump had signed it. The bill included language from Esty’s bill, H.R. 1279, the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act.

Esty Calls on Department of Defense to Enhance Understanding of Burn Pits

September 20, 2018 Press Release
After the Department of Defense declined to attend a hearing held by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on burn pits and toxic exposures, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary James Mattis to call on the agency to release information about what steps the Department of Defense is taking to enhance understanding of the health effects associated with exposure to burn pits.

Esty, King, Ruiz See Victory with Burn Pits Legislation

September 13, 2018 Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, by a vote of 377-20. The bill, also known as the minibus, included language from Esty’s bill, H.R. 1279, the Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act. Esty introduced the measure with Rep. Peter King (NY-2).

Vietnam War Commemoration and Pinning Ceremony

August 15, 2018 Page

I am pleased to announce that my office is proud to present a Vietnam War Commemoration and Pinning Ceremony. This event, which is being hosted in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Defense, will present qualified applicants a 50th anniversary lapel pin to honor and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our servicemen and women. The ceremony will be held on October 25, 2018. 

Esty Bill Included in Veterans Improvement Act, Passes House

July 25, 2018 Press Release
Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) praised the House passage of H.R. 5649, the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William `Bill' Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act of 2018. The bill, which cleared the House by voice vote, included Esty’s bill, H.R. 4835, the Job TOOLS for Veterans Act, which would expand access to job training resources for veterans of all eras and their spouses. Earlier this Congress, Esty introduced the bill with Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) as a means to help military veterans transition into civilian life. On average, those who participated in the Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) program found their first job close to a month sooner than those who did not.

Esty Introduces Bill to Expand Benefits to Surviving Spouses of Veterans

July 18, 2018 Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) introduced H.R. 6419, the Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2018, which would enhance dependency and indemnity compensation paid to surviving spouses and families of veterans with service-connected disabilities who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS, also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

Esty Introduces Bill Calling for VA to Study Website Accessibility

July 18, 2018 Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) introduced legislation that would call for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study regarding the accessibility of its websites to individuals with disabilities.