Today, let us pause and remember the men and women of our Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We honor them as a celebration of their lives and a reminder of the true cost of the freedoms we enjoy today. While we can never truly repay our debt to those who gave their lives for us, we must not forget what we owe to those still living as well. We have over 350,000 veterans in Louisiana who served our country with honor and valor. Here in Congress we are taking steps to ensure that our veterans have access to first-class healthcare, find good-paying jobs, and are able to continue their education.

I remain committed to doing all we can to ensure our veterans have access to timely, quality healthcare. The recent allegations of misconduct within the VA medical community are deplorable and are being thoroughly investigated to hold those responsible at every level accountable. With my support, the House recently passed the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act as a first step to address these allegations.However, we must also improve the healthcare our veterans receive overall through the VA healthcare system by reducing wait times and increasing efficiency. I will continue to support actions that address those goals.

I have supported veterans hiring initiatives, which increase employment opportunities for our veterans through establishing tax credits for businesses that hire them. By boosting hiring for veterans America can welcome our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and Airmen back into their communities as entrepreneurs, small business owners, and workers.

According to VA statistics, over 1.1 million veterans or eligible military family members have been able to continue their education. Service members are provided a tuition and fee payment to their school on their behalf, as well as a monthly housing allowance, so they can attend top-level colleges and universities.  Funds can also be used for trade schools, on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and flight schools for those who choose to pursue those routes.    

As we join our fellow Americans to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and salute those who have served our country around the world, understand that I am working hard for our veterans. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must also pledge to leave no veteran behind here at home. There is still work to be done, but we will allow nothing to stand in our way to honor those who defend us in the name of freedom and democracy.

Happy Memorial Day