Veterans

Democrats are proud to stand with veterans who have endured great sacrifice to keep our nation safe and protect our freedom. Under Democratic leadership, we have kept our promise to respect and care for our servicemen and women and  will continue to respond to the needs of veterans and their families.

Democrats updated the G.I. Bill for post-9/11 veterans, and expanded employment opportunities by strengthening veterans’ workforce programs and offering a tax credit to businesses that hire unemployed veterans.  Democrats in Congress also improved health care access and treatment for returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans by cutting red tape, modernizing VA hospitals, building VA outpatient clinics in communities where veterans live, and expanding the health services available under the VA.

Democrats have also increased the number of VA mental health providers and social workers to meet increased demand, and expanded mental health services.  In addition, the Democratic Congress has improved housing and homelessness prevention services by updating VA programs, expanding eligibility for low-interest housing loans, and increasing support services.

Democrats are working with the Obama Administration to eliminate the VA disability claims backlog so that veterans can receive their benefits in a more timely manner and with fewer errors occurring. The Administration is also taking steps to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find employment, including recently launching the Veterans Employment Center, which provides a single location for veterans to look for well-paying jobs and utilize career resources and tools.