Congressman Luke Messer

Representing the 6th District of Indiana

Veterans Issues

Our nation must honor its commitment to America’s veterans. Indiana is home to nearly 550,000 veterans, with 52,000 veterans and survivors collecting disability compensation or pension payments. On average, today’s service members have spent more time in a combat zone than at any other time in our history. As a Nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served in our armed forces and given so much, as well as to their families, who also have made great sacrifices.

I have supported legislation to help provide our nation’s veterans with the services and care they have earned, including over $300 million to help the VA end the disability claims backlog. I also voted to repeal the COLA adjustment for all current military veterans and active service members. The law has now been changed so COLAs will be calculated as they always have been for current veterans and active-duty service members. I am committed to helping the men and women who fought for our Nation by working to ensure veterans and their families get the benefits they have earned.

More on Veterans Issues

Nov 10, 2016

Today is Veterans Day. There is no better day to pay tribute to the heroic men and women who have served and defended our country since its founding.

Chances are many of you know someone who served or is currently serving in the U.S. military. Nearly 19 million veterans live in the United States today. Right now, there are also more than 1.4 million people serving in the Armed Forces, all across this country and here at home.

Sep 9, 2016

WASHINGTON (Sept. 9, 2016) — Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) is working to ensure students and American taxpayers aren’t completely on the hook for an estimated $500 million in unpaid federal loans taken out by students of the now defunct ITT Technical Institute.

May 13, 2016

GREENFIELD--Wayne Mocas proudly displayed his military medals — among them the prized Purple Heart — from World War II, honors that still conjure memories of the years spent serving his country.

But the small pieces of metal and ribbon, those tokens of battles survived in Belgium and France, were shinier, newer, than might be expected for a veteran of a war fought some 70 years ago.

Mar 14, 2016

Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2016)—Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) announced his team will hold “Constituent Services Workshops” in Greensburg, New Castle and Shelbyville over the next few months.  

These workshops are an opportunity for Sixth District residents to receive information and assistance with any Federal matter. Caseworkers will be on-site to help with Social Security, VA and Disability issues as well as to answer any other questions or concerns regarding government agencies. The list of confirmed “Constituent Services Workshops” is below:

Feb 25, 2016

WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement after news broke that the Department of Veterans Affairs would allow Veterans Integrated Service Network 10 Director Jack Hetrick to retire amid misconduct investigation:

Feb 13, 2016

WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement after news broke of alleged misconduct at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center:

Jul 30, 2014

Today, Congressman Luke Messer voted for the Veterans’ Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (H.R. 3230).  This bill reforms the Veterans Administration (VA) and provides better access to quality care for our nation’s veterans. 

“Taking care of our veterans shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” said Congressman Luke Messer. “After years of mismanagement at the VA, I’m glad we were able to get legislation passed that reforms the system and gives veterans better access to the care they’ve earned and deserve.”

Jul 2, 2014

Congressman Luke Messer greeted dozens of Hoosier war veterans and their families at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., over the weekend.  He presented flags flown over the Capitol to Gerald “Bush” White and Bob Briggs who served in World War II and to Tim Albright and Lutz “Bo” Schreiner— both of whom served in Vietnam and are Purple Heart recipients.   

Jul 1, 2014
Congressman Luke Messer greeted Hoosier veterans at the World War II Memorial and presented them with flags flown over the Capitol. 
 
May 30, 2014

WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement upon the announcement of Eric Shinseki’s resignation as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs:

“Secretary Shinseki’s resignation is appropriate under the circumstances.  But, what really matters is what happens next to ensure our VA system is overhauled from top to bottom to guarantee our veterans are receiving the prompt and proper care they have earned and deserve.”