Congresswoman Sanchez firmly believes that we have an obligation to support our service members-both on and off the battlefield.  In this time of war, it is our responsibility to provide soldiers and their families with the services and benefits they need to help facilitate a full transition from active duty back to normal civilian life.

As a result of the appalling conditions that were uncovered at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in February of 2007, Congresswoman Sanchez has made health care for our returning soldiers one of her top priorities.  Congresswoman Sanchez supported the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act, much of which became law in the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.  Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries will now be provided with free health care screening and medical services for three years.

In 2008, Congresswoman Sanchez was a proud cosponsor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.  This bill provides a comprehensive education benefits package for veterans who served after September 11, and includes a monthly housing stipend and $1,000 per year for books and supplies.

In the 111^th Congress, Congresswoman Sanchez will continue to be a strong advocate for military personnel and their families. Already, she has helped pass defense appropriations funding that will aid hiring of 2,100 additional veteran's claims processors and increase funding for prosthetics by $250 million.