Veterans

I believe that we have to make sure our veterans receive the benefits and care they deserve for their service to our nation. 

I have pushed for legislation to support our nation’s heroes. I work closely with my colleagues in Congress and the Trump administration to provide comprehensive and effective reform to the Department of Veterans Affairs and pass legislations that support both active military and veterans.

In May, the House passed the VA MISSION Act with my support. This bill improved veterans’ access to health care by streamlining community care programs, creating a non-partisan process for reviewing VA assets, and expanding caregiver programs. The VA MISSION Act also provided $5.2 billion for the Choice Program, which was set to run out of money this year. In June, President Trump signed the bill into law.

Additional legislation passed supporting our military and veterans includes:

• H.R. 5895, the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which included $85.3 billion for the VA, a 4.8 percent increase from last year. 
• H.R. 3819, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act, which extends a number of programs that veterans and their caregivers, dependents and survivors rely on. These programs include nursing home care, support services for caregivers, transportation, adaptive sport programs, and housing services.
• H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which restores benefits and expands coverage to Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

As your representative, I will continue to fight on behalf of our nation's heroes. You can be sure that I am working for our veterans by continuing to introduce and support pro-veteran legislation on the House floor and prioritize constituent casework.

For more information concerning work and views related to Veterans issues, please contact our office.