Caring for Servicemembers and Veterans
When we ask ordinary American men and women to do the extraordinary in the service of this country, we know we can never fully repay what they and their families give us. But we can promise that we will give them everything they need when they are in the field, and everything they deserve in honor and care when their service has ended.
In 2007, I joined my colleagues in approving legislation that, for the first time, funded nearly 100 percent of the Independent Budget. This annual proposal, authored by American Veterans (AMVETS), Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, included more resources for veterans' medical care, VA hospitals, and medical research. I also supported efforts to lift prohibitions on concurrent receipt and address the "widow's tax," which affects spouses of deceased service members whose DOD Survivor Benefit Plan is offset as a result of their VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
The men and women of the United States military, National Guard, and Reserves, who have served our country in the years since September 11th, put their lives on hold and left their families behind. As they return home, I believe we must do all we can to honor their service and their sacrifice. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan should have the same opportunities for higher education and job training available to the GIs of World War II. I cosponsored the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which would provide full tuition, room, and board, strengthening our economy and offering these veterans the opportunity for a brighter future.
Too many troops returning from service abroad have found it difficult to obtain the services, benefits, and medical care they need. Comprehensive care for our veterans should be among our nation's highest priorities, and I was proud to stand with Jack Reed to support more funding on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and for much-needed repairs to the VA's overburdened claims processing system.
I will continue to do all I can to support the men and women who serve this country in uniform. I am committed to upholding the solemn promise our Nation makes to every veteran, as stated so eloquently by Abraham Lincoln: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan."