Today, join me in saluting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With heavy hearts and a deep sense of gratitude we mourn these women and men-- parents, children, and loved ones who believed so deeply in the values and ideals of this great country that they were willing to give their lives to protect it. We also stand resolute in supporting the loved ones they left behind who carry their legacy. 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 who have returned home.  Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind when they return home.

America has a sacred trust with the men and women who have served our country in uniform and we are dedicated to doing all we can to guarantee our veterans have access to timely, quality health care. We are making every effort to modernize the VA healthcare system and ensure there are available facilities in close proximity. Just last year Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act which established the Choice Card program to allow eligible veterans to receive care from private, non-VA health facilities. Our VA facility under construction in New Orleans is on track for a 2016 opening and will have the capacity to service 70,000 veterans with the best possible care. I will continue to support and hold the VA accountable for delivering on their commitments.

Education is the cornerstone to enabling our nation’s veterans to find a good paying job once they return home. According to VA data, 1.4 million veterans or eligible military family members have been able to continue their education thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Service members are provided a tuition and fee payment to their school on their behalf as well as a monthly housing allowance so that 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.

After fighting for our nation overseas, no veteran should have to fight for a job at home. Congress along with the President have taken steps to help our men and women in uniform find good-paying jobs,  from providing tax credits for businesses that hire veterans to creating a Veterans Job Corp that helps veterans find pathways to work protecting and rebuilding America. Recent jobs reports show veterans are making progress in our economy but there is more work to be done. Recently, the VA launched the Veterans Economic Communities Initiative, an enterprise to improve education, training and employment opportunities for veterans in public and private organizations.

We have over 350,000 veterans in Louisiana and over 44,000 in the 2^nd District who served our country with honor and valor. 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 we will stop at nothing to provide the quality of life deserving of those who defend our way of life.

Happy Memorial Day.