U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson : Serving the 3rd District of Texas

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Veterans' Affairs

Freedom is not free
It is an honor to represent the Third District of Texas where there is deep patriotism and loyalty to our country and to the men and women who defend it. America’s servicemen and women – past and present – are the cornerstone of our democracy.

I have fought tirelessly for improvements in benefits and services to veterans. We have made significant strides in fulfilling the pledge of Abraham Lincoln, “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphans.”

Honesty, integrity, hard work, personal responsibility and perseverance all come to mind when I think of America's veterans. Our sense of gratitude only deepens with the years.

Veterans funerals
After allegedly receiving a single complaint on the issue, the Department of Veterans Affairs banned a popular flag folding ceremony from funerals in all National Cemeteries because it referenced God and the national motto “In God We Trust.” The traditional ceremony includes a recitation with each of the thirteen folds of the American flag. Why would anyone want to censor the graveside expression of religion of grieving family members whose loved ones served our nation?

While I’m a co-sponsor of a House Resolution to overturn this insanity at veterans’ funerals, it just breaks my heart that brave men and women who died for this country won’t have this lovely flag-folding ceremony at their funeral.

The new G.I. Bill
We have a responsibility – and an obligation – to take care of the men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform. The new GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, reflects a growing consensus among Democrats and Republicans that we need to get this done this year. The new GI Bill is critical to strengthening the nation’s military because it will help attract quality recruits who are interested in earning an education.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act extends educational benefits to all members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and National Guard.

Under the new law, service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan will receive up to 36 months of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. Veterans would have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits and have the ability to use their benefits for program fees, tuition, books and housing.

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