Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democrats met with Veterans Service Organizations, industry, and local community leaders from across the United States. The discussion focused on the many issues confronting the brave men and women who have served our nation. Participants identified ways in which Senate Democrats can continue to uphold the solemn obligation to ensure that Congress provides military personnel and veterans with the support they deserve, including pay, benefits, and lifelong care.
“Alaska is home to the highest percentage of veterans per capita in the country and I take very seriously our responsibility to honor our commitment to care for our veterans both when they are serving and when they return home. That is why I have never stopped fighting to ensure that our veterans have the resources they need as they transition to civilian life,” said Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), Chairman of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee. “I was particularly pleased to have Col (Ret) Laurie Hummel from Anchorage participate in today’s roundtable where she highlighted the need for training programs to ensure the success of veterans in the workforce. While there are many challenges that still confront Alaska veterans, I will continue to use my position on the Veterans Affairs Committee to fight on their behalf.”
“I was honored to have Ross Bryant, Director of the Office of Veterans Services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, showcase the work UNLV is undertaking to help more than 1,200 student veterans who are working hard to get a degree to help them succeed in their future careers,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). “While I am pleased that many of these veterans are using the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to pay for their education, we must continue to champion legislation to ensure that all veterans get a fair shot to obtain the skills they need to compete for jobs.”
“With so many Americans struggling, we have got to do everything we can to make certain that when veterans come back from war they are able to find jobs and reestablish their place in their communities,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs. “Although we have made some progress, we continue to find high unemployment rates among veterans, especially the youngest generation. As Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am proud to say the Committee is still working to pass, S. 1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act.”
“I was honored to have a fellow Montana veteran, Andrew Person, at today’s hearing to discuss how we can best provide for the men and women who have sacrificed so much to defend our country,” said Senator John Walsh (D-MT), the first Iraq War veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. “We do a great job in this country of turning citizens into warriors, and now we must focus on helping them transition from warriors to civilians – transferring their considerable skills to the workplace, and providing them with the tools, resources, and benefits they earned.”
As we finally transition our troops out of Afghanistan, Senate Democrats remain committed to fighting on behalf of our nation’s veterans who have answered the call to duty to protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy.
Photos from this event can be found HERE
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