"Over the last two years, Congress has made significant investments in the health and well-being of America’s veterans. For instance, we passed the largest increase in veterans’ healthcare funding in the history of the VA, increasing veterans’ healthcare funding by nearly $12 billion since January of 2007.

"I also supported the passage of the new GI Bill for the 21st century, which will help today’s veterans afford the full cost of a college education. Last month, I met with veterans from Sacramento State University to hear about the challenges they face as students. This meeting left me even more convinced that ensuring that our veterans get the education they have earned is not only the right thing to do, it is also a central part of building a stronger American economy.

"The Iraq War presents unique challenges to our veterans. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other serious combat related injuries are going to tax our veterans’ healthcare system long into the future. The 110th Congress has worked to ensure that the VA is meeting the changing needs of all of our veterans, whether they served in World War II or recently in Afghanistan.

"The 110th Congress’s accomplishments on behalf of America’s veterans are admirable. Our New Direction Congress has worked to change the level of care and quality of life for those who have served our nation so bravely. My commitment to veterans in Sacramento and across our great country will never waver, and I will work with my colleagues to continue to do more for these brave men and women in the months and years ahead. On this Veterans Day in 2008, we should celebrate all that our veterans have done for our country, and we should renew our commitment to repaying them in kind when they return home."

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