May 28, 2013

Dear Friend,

As we continue our observation of Memorial Day, I wanted to take a minute to update you on how I've been working to support active duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

Engaging with Local Veterans Groups

My San Diego office continues to work with constituent veterans and their families to help them secure their GI benefits and claim tens of thousands of dollars in benefits that they'd earned but had been held up in bureaucracy. And I've been working closely with local veterans groups and advocates to find a way to help our recently returning vets make an easier transition into the civilian workforce.

I've also had the honor of speaking to the United Veterans Council and the San Diego Veterans Coalition about my work on the House Armed Services Committee. And I was especially moved by the wonderful tribute to our Vietnam Veterans at the 58th Annual Massing of the Colors Tribute held on the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Balboa Park this month.

Scott speaking at the Massing of the Colors about the celebration of American patriotism and the importance of supporting our veterans across the country.

Fighting Against Sequestration Cuts

Sequestration continues to hurt San Diego, as evidenced by the 11 furlough days that civilian contractors are being forced to take before September. I have consistently spoken out against these indiscriminate cuts because they harm our economic recovery and do not contribute to our mission.

I recently decided to apply the sequester cuts to my own Congressional salary, and chose to donate the difference to a local senior center where the money will go to supplement their meals program. Many of the seniors served there live at or below the poverty line and a large percentage are veterans or their spouses.

Speaking Up for Servicemembers & Veterans

Over the past few weeks, I have introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at improving the quality of life for our veterans community not only in San Diego but across the country. First, the 'Shelter Our Servicemembers Act', HR 1714, would create a pilot program to provide housing and wraparound services to elderly homeless veterans who make up a vulnerable portion of San Diego's large homeless population. Second, I introduced the Veteran Employment Transition Act, HR 2056, which incentivizes businesses to hire recently discharged veterans.

I also recently took to the House floor in recognition of Military Mental Health Awareness Day, commemorated on May 15th. Post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges, require our country's attention now.

Click the image above for video of my speech on the floor

Staying in Contact

For the most complete set of information about what I am doing for active duty servicemembers or veterans I hope that you will check out the page devoted to it on our website: http://scottpeters.house.gov/issues/veterans-issues

Please continue to keep in touch with me on defense and veterans related issues or any other topic that matters to you by contacting either my Washington office at 202-225-0508 or my San Diego office at 858-455-5550. You can also follow my on Twitter @RepScottPeters or like my page on Facebook at facebook.com/congressmanscottpeters for the most up to date information.

Sincerely,

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