Veterans

There is no greater sacrifice than putting your life on the line for your country.  In America, the men and women of our Armed Forces represent the very best our nation has to offer.  And while we hold our veterans in the highest regard and thank them for their service, we must remain vigilant in ensuring that the care and benefits they receive reflects the gratitude and respect they deserve.

Today, as America faces new enemies with more sophisticated weapons, we in Congress face new challenges as to how best to provide the proper care for a new generation of veterans.  Sadly, 21^st century warfare has resulted in devastating injuries. To address these challenges, I am working ensure our veterans have access to the best professional medical care when leaving service.  I was proud to be one of the original co-sponsors of The Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act. This legislation would direct the Secretary of Defense to adopt a program of professional and confidential screenings for members of the armed forces on active duty to detect mental health conditions for the purpose of reducing the incidence of suicide among such members and veterans, and to detect traumatic brain injuries.

Our commitment to our veterans must also extend beyond simply providing medical care for injuries endured in battle.  We must also work to prepare these individuals for life after the military.  That is why I am proud to support the new GI bill, which increases financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

It is also why my first piece of legislation was designed to increase funding for a new Veterans Business Center program, like the Veterans Business Outreach Program of the Capital Region, to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans to create jobs and develop small businesses in their communities. 

Not only is it my job to ensure proper care for our service men and women returning home, but to continue to provide care for our veterans who have served our country in years past.  That is why I voted to increase compensation and benefits for disabled veterans and their dependents. This bill would increase payments to veterans and their dependents for disability and indemnity compensation by the same cost-of-living adjustment payable to Social Security recipients.

As your congressman, it is an honor to serve those who have served our nation. It is a solemn responsibility that I take very seriously. I will continue to work to ensure that our veterans are provided with the care and benefits they deserve.