Veterans Issues

We owe it to the men and women who wear our country’s uniform to ensure that they – and their families – receive the benefits and the respect they’ve earned for their service. Illinois has over 700,000 veterans, and my goal is for none of them to be left behind.

My priorities for veterans include:

Ensuring veterans get the quality healthcare they deserve.

Every veteran deserves access to quality, affordable medical care. This includes having access to the best VA hospitals, mental health services, and clinics.

Helping veterans find civilian jobs.

No one should fight for us overseas, only to have to fight for a job here at home. The men and women who serve this country are highly trained and have unique talents and extraordinary leadership skills to offer employers. I support expanding VA programs that help veterans find employment and transition back into civilian life. Every veteran in the Second District who wants to work should be able to work. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that incentivizes local businesses to hire veterans, and have held job fairs featuring employers that have veteran hiring preferences.

Putting an end to veteran suicides.

Too many of our heroes are struggling with mental traumas stemming from their service. I support federal programs that work to lower the rates of veteran suicides and that provide veterans the mental health services they need to overcome their challenges.

Honoring those who gave their lives.

Those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our country deserve our eternal gratitude. We must honor their memories by ensuring that their families are cared for and that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

For more information concerning my work to support our Veterans, please contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.

More on Veterans Issues

House Passes Bipartisan Solid Start Reporting Act Offered by Kelly, Mast

Sep 23, 2020 Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Solid Start Reporting Act (H.R. 7747) as part of the Veterans COMPACT Act (H.R. 8247). The bipartisan Solid Start Reporting Act was introduced in July by Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL).

The Solid Start Reporting Act (H.R. 7747) establishes oversight baselines for the newly created Solid Start Program, a transition program designed to contact veterans three times during the first year following their departure from the service.

U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly & Brian Mast Introduce Veteran Suicide Prevention Oversight Legislation

Jul 25, 2020 Press Release

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan Solid Start Reporting Act. The legislation establishes oversight baselines for a newly created program to support veteran mental health during the first year after departing military service.

Rep. Kelly Votes NO on GOP’s Trojan Horse to Destroy Medicare, Medicaid & Social Security

Apr 12, 2018 Press Release

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement after voting NO on the Republicans’ so-called “Balanced Budget” constitutional amendment, that’s nothing more than a veiled attack on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the Americans who paid into these systems:

Veterans Housing Symposium

Sep 24, 2016 Event

Congresswoman Robin Kelly will host a Veterans Housing Symposium on Saturday, September 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Vodak-East Side Public Library, 3710 E. 106th St., Chicago. Speakers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Cook County Assessor’s Office and others will talk about the latest housing programs and property tax benefits for veterans, as well as recent initiatives to reduce homelessness among veterans living in Illinois. Register by visiting http://reprobinkelly.eventbrite.com.

Congresswoman Kelly To Host Veterans Housing Symposium

Sep 7, 2016 Press Release

Congresswoman Kelly Hosts Veteran Workshop

Aug 3, 2015 Press Release

Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a Veteran Workshop Friday at the Calumet City Public Library that offered guidance to veterans seeking housing and career opportunities.

Participating agencies included the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, A Safe Haven, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Cook County Department of Veteran Affairs and Rush Medical Center, which has developed an innovative tech internship program for veterans.

Second District Veteran Workshop on Housing & Careers After Service

Jul 31, 2015 Event

Attend the Second District Veteran Workshop on Housing & Careers After Service event.

Congresswoman Kelly Statement on Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month

Apr 29, 2015 Press Release

Today, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) released the following statement recognizing Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month.

“Every April, we mark Paralyzed Veterans of American Awareness Month to recognize the unique challenges facing service members with spinal cord injury or dysfunction.