Veterans

Honoring and caring for our veterans is a sacred duty. When we remember their accomplishments for America and the world, we must always remember what each and every veteran sacrificed.

Meeting the need of our nation’s veterans will continue to be a major focus and priority of mine in Congress.  Because I believe that serving our country in uniform is an extremely noble undertaking, I am committed to working hard for the veterans in the 19th District of Texas. I strongly believe that we must keep the promises we have made to our nation's veterans.  For these reasons, I have introduced H.R. 5148, a bill that would forgive certain overpayments that families of those killed in action are asked to repay under the Montgomery G.I. Bill program.  In addition, recognizing the special hardship that often accompanies a rural American Veteran, I am proud to support H.R. 1527, which would enhance access to rural healthcare, by allowing veterans to also obtain care at local providers. And because the American flag represents the values that veterans have fought for, I will continue to support legislation that bans the physical desecration of the Flag of the United States.

I have also worked tirelessly to ensure that the Big Spring VA Hospital continues to provide quality health care to veterans throughout West Texas. I was pleased in April of 2006 when the Department of Veterans Affairs reversed its decision to remove the Big Spring VA Medical Center from its Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) list, keeping the VA facility open for the future.  I continue to work with local leaders to search for new opportunities to make life easier for those who have sacrificed for this nation.