As a veteran, I care deeply about the men and women who have served and are actively serving our country both at home and abroad. Congress should ensure these men and women receive the care they deserve. To do anything less would dishonor their service and sacrifice.
In that vein, I have recently sponsored two bills that will help our veterans:
The Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013 (H.R. 235) would help states to streamline their certification requirements for military medics who are looking to continue their career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in the civilian workforce. Veterans with EMT training are often forced to start their training over, and in rural states such as Illinois, it is increasingly difficult to find citizens willing to go through the training required to become an EMT. The Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act eliminates both of these problems by restructuring state EMT licensing processes and giving these experienced veterans a chance to use the skills they already know without having to start at the beginning.
The Veteran-Centered Access to Coordinated Health Care Act of 2014 (H.R. 3858) would allow veterans to receive health care from local non-VA health centers and would enhance VA coordination of this care received outside of a VA. In rural communities, veterans aren't getting the care they need because they live too far from a VA facility. By ensuring that all veterans have the opportunity to get care that's closer and more convenient, the Veteran-Centered Access to Coordinated Health Care Act would eliminate this problem.
Additionally, I have coauthored a letter to President Obama urging him to take action to end disability claims backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Click here to read this letter.
I have the greatest respect for Americans who answer the call of duty and put their own lives at risk for the sake of all Americans. I am committed to doing anything I can to make the lives of veterans easier. My staff and I are here to help any veterans or current service members with questions regarding the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Ottawa office at (815) 431-9271.
