Veterans

Democrats are proud to stand with veterans who have endured great sacrifice to keep our nation safe and protect our freedom. We are working to improve health care access and treatment for veterans by cutting red tape, modernizing VA hospitals, building VA outpatient clinics in communities where veterans live, and expanding the health services available under the VA. We are working to eliminate the VA disability appeals backlog so that veterans can receive their benefits in a more timely manner and with fewer errors occurring. We are also taking steps to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find employment.

When Democrats last held both the White House and control of Congress, we kept our promise to take care of our nation’s veterans. Democrats updated the G.I. Bill for post-9/11 veterans to strengthen their access to higher education, and recently supported making the G.I. Bill a lifetime benefit for the first time in history. Democrats expanded employment opportunities by bolstering veterans’ workforce programs and offering a tax credit to businesses that hire unemployed veterans. We also increased the number of VA mental health providers and social workers to meet increased demand, and expanded mental health services. We will continue to respond to the needs of veterans and their families.

Veterans Related
President Trump’s words about those who died defending our nation were disgusting and outrageous. Never before have I seen a president - or any public elected official, for that matter - so callously demean the sacrifices and service of America’s fallen heroes and those currently serving.
9/4/20
“This year, we observe Memorial Day at a moment in our history characterized by loss, struggle, and sacrifice.  While we remember, as we do each year, the fallen military heroes who served our nation in uniform, we also pause to reflect on the enormous loss of life that has occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 100,000 American lives taken. 
5/25/20
On the gray morning of June 6, 1944, under the light of a full moon, tens of thousands of American, British, Canadian, and Allied troops waded forth from landing craft onto the uncertain beaches of a captive continent.
 
6/6/19
On Memorial Day, we remember those who fell in service to our nation and all it represents. 
5/24/19
It is appalling that veterans have been made to wait for months to receive their G.I. Bill benefits, with some even forced to move out of their homes or face bankruptcy as a result. 
11/13/18
This Sunday, Americans across our country will gather to celebrate the service of veterans and the sacrifices of military families. 
11/9/18
Today marks ten years since the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act, known commonly as the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. 
6/30/18
Throughout our history, this country has been strengthened by the courage and devotion of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice under our flag. 
5/24/18
While the VA Choice reauthorization bill will enable the continuation and expansion of critical veterans health programs, I have serious concerns about its funding.
5/16/18
On Veterans Day, families and communities gather to honor the service and sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform of our nation.
11/9/17

On Monday, Americans across the country will remember the service and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives defending the United States, our allies, and the democratic values we share.

5/26/17

I am extremely disappointed by the Veterans, Employees, and Taxpayers (VET) Protection Act, which was marked-up by the House Veterans Affairs Committee this morning. 

5/17/17

President Trump’s Muslim ban emboldens our enemies, undermines our alliances around the world, and makes America less safe. 

2/1/17

Today, I join in marking Veterans Day, a time to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our nation in uniform and honor the many sacrifices they have made. 

11/11/16

Each year on Memorial Day we honor the sacrifices of those who died in defense of our nation and its values.  

 

5/30/16

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on the 75th anniversary of the activation of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the first of several units of African-American airmen trained in Tuskegee, Alabama who served during World War II.

3/22/16

"Today, as we mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Persian Gulf War, we recognize the contributions of all our veterans who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. ...

2/28/16

“Tonight, President Obama reminded Congress and the nation that what makes America great is the spirit of service and hard work that manifests from realizing we are all bound together by a common cause. ...

1/12/16

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of Veterans Day:

“I join in marking Veterans Day, a day on which we honor the courageous men and women who have risked their lives in defense of our security and our freedom. We are forever grateful to those who served our nation in uniform and who gave so much to preserve the values of democracy, liberty, and equal opportunity upon which America was built.                    

11/10/15

The Secretary of Defense's announcement that a working group will be established to study the implications of permitting transgender Americans to serve openly in our military is welcome news.  

7/13/15

I joined with many other Members to oppose this year’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill out of a deep concern that it does not adequately fund the needs of our nation’s veterans, while using a budget gimmick to get around the sequester cuts imposed by the Republican budget strategy. 

4/30/15

On Monday, the President released his budget for Fiscal Year 2016. His budget proposal builds on the strength of our economic recovery to make smart investments that will increase our nation’s competitiveness, while ensuring that working families share in the benefits of the recovery.

2/4/15

I was pleased to be on hand today as the President signed a bipartisan bill to ensure that our veterans receive the timely, quality health care they have earned through their service.

8/7/14

As the world marks the centennial of the outbreak of the First World War today, I join in remembering the service and sacrifices of so many American military personnel who answered the call to fight on distant shores in defense of democracy and values we hold dear.  

7/28/14