Veterans

Senator Toomey is proud of our men and women in uniform who are currently serving to protect the United States. The son of a former U.S. Marine and representing a state with one of the largest veteran populations in the country, he is also acutely aware of the nation's commitment to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed to preserve our freedom. He understands how important it is that we continue to provide quality medical care and other benefits to veterans, both to those who served a generation ago, and to those just returning from fighting in the war against terrorism.

Since joining the Senate, Senator Toomey has been constantly working to help Pennsylvania's veterans obtain the services and benefits they rightfully deserve and welcomes the opportunity to be of assistance. He also looks forward to working with his Senate colleagues on additional ways to help ensure the welfare of our veterans and their families.

His hard work for veterans has included:

• Writing a budget each of his first two years in the Senate that increased total spending for veterans by almost $40 billion.
• Voting to repeal a cost-of-living adjustment reduction for military retirees.
• Gaining enactment of a bill to protect VA patients and staff from sexual assault.
• Gaining enactment of a bill to provide clothing left at TSA checkpoints to homeless veterans.
• Gaining Senate Finance Committee approval of an amendment expanding a tax credit for employers who continue to pay their employees called to active duty.
• Helping to implement a veterans-only job fair with the South Eastern Pennsylvania Area Transit Authority.
• Sponsoring a bill to help separating service members to connect with county veterans service offices.
• Sponsoring a bill to help recover thousands of unclaimed, cremated veterans remains in mortuaries and inter them with honors.
• Sponsoring a bill to rename the Philadelphia VA Medical Center after Corporal Michael Crescenz, the only Philadelphia native who earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam.
• Convincing the U.S. Department of Labor to improve its job search website for veterans and employers.
• Membership with the Senate VA Backlog Working Group.

Senator Toomey is deeply concerned about the backlog of veterans' disabilities claims which has soared since 2005. He has asked the VA to inform him about how the department will accomplish its strategic goal to reduce the backlog. He also signed a letter to President Obama asking for his direct personal involvement in resolving this issue.

Senator Toomey will continue to support sensible legislation protecting the welfare of our veterans. He also welcomes veterans to contact him for help with federal programs and services.

*Upcoming event: "Making $ense of Finance" - Saturday, November 8th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm - Indepenence Seaport Museum 211 South Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia