Veterans Issues
I am tremendously grateful for the patriots who have come forward to defend our democracy. Our troops, veterans and military families will always come first. There is always room to create more opportunity for veteran access to education, job opportunities and family support. I am committed to ensuring that all U.S. veterans have access to prompt and reliable healthcare services.
If you or a family member needs help communicating with the Veteran’s Administration, please contact my offices. I am happy to help ensure that you receive all of the Veteran benefits that you have earned.
More on Veterans Issues
Nov 6, 2015
Weekly Capitol Report
Since 1775, our brave military men and women have fought for freedom and democracy. On this Veterans Day we remember our service members that have bravely faced the challenges of a dangerous world from the Revolutionary War to today’s War on Terror. Like so many, military service has been a part of my family. My uncle courageously fought in Vietnam earning a purple heart. Because of the selfless service of many like him, my commitment is to ensure that our veterans are treated with respect and receive the benefits they earned.
Jul 6, 2015
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, Congressman Jason Smith presented Vietnam Veteran Frank Grosspietsch of Salem with the Purple Heart, a medal given to members of the military wounded or killed in service. Mr. Grosspietsch earned two Purple Heart medals during his service in Vietnam, but was initially only presented with one. Congressman Jason Smith’s office was able to secure the second medal for Mr. Grosspietsch, and personally thank him for his service during a presentation ceremony in Rolla.
Dec 10, 2014
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed a bipartisan bill to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs response and treatment to wounded warriors with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, will help prevent veteran suicides which occur at twice the rate of the civilian population. It provides more access to mental health care for veterans and improves recruitment of mental health professionals to cut wait times.
Aug 8, 2014
Weekly Capitol Report
In June the Department of Veterans Affairs released an audit that detailed an alarming number of American veterans who were not receiving the care they have so fully earned. According to the audit, 57,000 veterans had been waiting more than 90 days for their first VA appointment. Worse yet, the audit found that 64,000 veterans had fallen through the cracks completely and never received an appointment with a VA doctor after requesting one. This is a national disgrace and our veterans deserve better.
Jul 30, 2014
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO) voted in support of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. The bipartisan legislation makes much needed reforms to the VA healthcare system. The legislation passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 420-5 and is now headed to the United States Senate where it is expected to receive broad bipartisan support.
Jun 17, 2014
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Jason Smith held a conference call with members of his Veterans Advisory Board to discuss issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs and recent reports of veterans not receiving timely access to care. The Veterans Advisory Board consists of at least two members from each one of the 30 counties in the Eighth Congressional District. Smith gave a brief legislative update to the group and then opened the call for members of the Advisory Board to share their concerns.
Jun 10, 2014
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Jason Smith called on the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide more timely care to America’s veterans while announcing his support for the Veterans Access to Care Act. Smith’s comments come after the release of a VA audit that found more than 57,000 U.S. military veterans have been waiting 90 days or more for their first VA medical appointment. The audit also found an additional 64,000 veterans have completely fallen through the cracks and have never received an appointment after requesting one from the VA.
Oct 24, 2013
Press Release
WASHINGTON – TOMORROW, Friday, October 25, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith will tour the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau and meet employees.
WHO: Congressman Jason Smith
WHAT: Tour of Missouri Veterans Home
WHERE: Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO
WHEN: TOMORROW, Friday, October 25, 2013 from 1:30PM-2:30PM
***Members of the media are invited to the tour.***
Oct 9, 2013
Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, October 9, 2013, Congressman Jason Smith voted in support of H.J.Res. 91 - Honoring the Families of Fallen Soldiers, to restore funding for death benefits that are paid to the families of service members killed in combat. Before the vote, Smith spoke on the floor of the House to urge all Member of Congress to put politics aside in favor of honoring American service members and their families.
Click HERE to view Congressman Jason Smith’s remarks on supporting military families.