Honoring Our Veterans
Serving in America's Armed Forces is one of the most courageous and selfless decisions citizens of this country can make. It is a decision we should never cease to honor and celebrate.
However, too frequently our veterans and active duty service members do not receive the essential care and support they need and deserve.
I will always stand up to ensure that those who have so bravely defended our freedoms have access to the essential resources and support they need to thrive as civilians. This means keeping our promise that the Department of Veterans Affairs remains public and serves the needs of our veterans, not private industry profit-seekers; providing robust reentry programs and job opportunities upon entering civilian life; and funding and expanding crucial mental health services for our veterans.
Earlier this year, I introduced the Reach Every Veteran in Crisis Act, which ensures the Department of Veterans Affairs is spending every dollar it has been allotted for suicide prevention outreach. This bill came after I learned that the VA had been allocated $6.2 million for suicide prevention outreach, however it had only spent $1.5 million of that budget. It also ensures that the allocated dollars are well-spent by ensuring the department establishes targets based on industry-standard metrics.
I am also proud to co-sponsor:
HR 2268 Keeping our Promises Act
Will provide veterans who served in the Vietnam War with the benefits and care they have earned, ensuring certain diseases are covered by the presumption of service connection relating to exposure of herbicides by certain veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam.HR 2806 Honoring All Veterans Act
Honoring the over 2 million women veterans who have bravely served our country.HR 2372 Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act
To provide for a presumption of service connection for certain diseases associated with exposure to toxins, and for other purposes.HR 914 Dental Care for Veterans Act
Expands eligibility for dental care to all veterans enrolled in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare systemH.R. 3577 U.S. Army Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act
Recognizes the U.S. Army Veterans of World War II for their dedicated service to our nation.H.R. 4601 Commitment to Veterans Support and Outreach Act
Authorizes the VA to provide grant program to improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to inform them of the resources they have available.H.R. 1012 ‘Six Triple Eight' Congressional Gold Medal Act
To recognize the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion for their contributions during WWII.H.R. 2568 United Stats Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Program
Recognizes Cadet Nurses as Veterans to provide burial benefits.H.R. 2569 Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Act
Provides overdue relief to U.S. Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange while serving during the Vietnam War.
These brave men and women have stood up to protect and defend the freedoms we hold dear -- the very least we could do is stand up for them.
More on Honoring Our Veterans
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and deliver critical investments in our Armed Forces and their families.
(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle recognized local Vietnam Veterans by presenting them with the Vietnam War Commemoration Lapel Pin in honor of their service.
(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle introduced new legislation he authored to strengthen benefits for families of Medal of Honor recipients.
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass legislation to improve healthcare services for veterans who have been exposed to dangerous toxins in the line of duty.
(Washington, DC) – Today, Rep. Joe Morelle voted for comprehensive legislation to improve healthcare services for veterans who have been exposed to dangerous toxins in the line of duty. H.R.