Veterans & Military
Caring for our veterans and active military involves more than thanking them for their service. As veterans return home, our nation has an obligation to assist them in preparing to reenter into civilian life, including access to earned benefits, education, jobs and opportunities.
Brian’s fight for those who fight for our nation includes protecting the needs of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and its future, and supporting the services provided through the Veteran Administration Western New York Healthcare System.
Higgins has successfully pushed through legislation ensuring blinded veterans and Blue Water Vietnam veterans receive the benefits they deserve. He cosponsored legislation expanding the successful Veteran Treatment Court program, which began in Buffalo, to communities across the nation. And he repeatedly fought to maintain the Kids Korner program which provides free child care services to veterans during medical appointments at the Buffalo VA Hospital.
More on Veterans & Military
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and representatives from the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are hosting a virtual Service Academy information event at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 3, 2022. The session provides an opportunity for Western New York high school students, families, school administrators, and counselors to learn more about service academy institutions, programs, and the application and nomination process.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the Congress on Your Corner schedule for the months of September and October. Through the program, staff from Congressman Higgins’ office are available at satellite sites throughout the district to better serve the needs of constituents.
As the United States Coast Guard celebrates its 232nd birthday, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is paying tribute to Lt. Thomas James “Jimmy” Eugene Crotty. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo Command Building was recently renamed to honor Lt. Crotty.
In advance of National Purple Heart Day, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) presented the family of U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Adam Strauch with original Purple Heart documents found in the attic of a Buffalo home.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced approval of a package of federal funding bills investing in American families, communities, and economic growth. The legislation (H.R. 8294) includes nearly $17.2 million requested by Higgins for Western New York projects.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the approval of the Access for Veterans to Records Act (H.R.7337). Cosponsored by Higgins, the bill requires the National Archives Records Administration (NARA) to address the significant backlog of veterans’ military records accrued during the pandemic.
The House of Representatives recently approved the National Defense Authorization Act with a bipartisan amendment, led by Congressmembers Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), authorizing funding for the National Maritime Heritage Grant Program.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the final passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (S. 3373). The bill is a comprehensive measure that seeks to address the challenges that toxic-exposed veterans face in accessing critical healthcare services through the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) honored the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veteran Luis R. Sierra, presenting him with the service medals he earned during the ninth annual Hispanic American Heritage Council Community Breakfast at D’Youville University. Sierra is one of 80,000 Hispanic Americans who bravely served our country during the Vietnam War, despite facing racism and discrimination.
On the 78th anniversary of D-Day Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) honored the late Private Walter J. Kowalczyk, a distinguished World War II veteran, presenting the service medals he earned to family members during a ceremony in Niagara Falls.