Veterans
I am committed to making sure that the men and women who have served, are serving, or will serve in the U.S. military get the resources and care they need – both at home and abroad – and guarantee they receive the benefits they have earned.
As the son of a U.S. Navy veteran, I understand the importance of supporting those in uniform and providing them the dignity they are entitled to. This includes:
Boosting veteran benefits: I am committed to honoring our veteran’s service by ensuring they continue to receive all the benefits they have earned, which is why I’m a cosponsor of H.R. 1329, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Act. This bill would increase cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities and for survivors of certain disabled veterans.
Preventing veterans suicide: I was pleased to vote for the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act in February 2016 and watch former President Obama sign it into law. The law expands access to mental health services for our nation’s veterans and seeks to curb the epidemic of veterans’ suicides in our country.
Protecting veterans’ from toxic chemical contamination: Oscoda, Michigan, is home to the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, which has groundwater near the base that is unsafe to drink because of dangerous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. I have worked to bring safe drinking water to veterans and their families living around the base and launched the PFAS Task Force in Congress to bring Democrats and Republicans together to pass policies that protect veterans and public health.
The following is a list of veteran-based legislation that was signed into law during the 115th Congress with my support.
- H.R. 3218: The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Forever G.I. Bill).
- S. 2372: VA MISSION Act of 2018.
- H.R. 2147: Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018.
- H.R. 2519: The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.
- H.R. 244: HIRE Vets Act.
- H.R. 2288: Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017.
- H.R. 1329: The Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2017.
- S. 1094: The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
- S.1266: Enhancing Veteran Care Act.
- S. 1393: Jobs for Our Heroes Act.
- H.R. 4910: Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act.
- H.R. 2345: National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act.
More on Veterans
FLINT, MI – Michigan Sen. Gary Peters and U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee today held a news conference at the Flint Public Library to raise awareness about the PACT Act, an expansion of VA health care benefits.
The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances.
Signed by President Joe Biden on Aug. 10, it is one of the most significant expansions of VA health care in the past 30 years.
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Senator Gary Peters hosted a press conference today in Flint with local veterans to highlight the Honoring Our PACT Act. This new law, supported by Republicans and Democrats, expands new U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) health care and benefits to veterans exposed to toxins. This is a significant expansion of health care and benefits for veterans and their families.
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today voted in support of a short-term spending bill—commonly referred to as a continuing resolution—to keep the government open and avoid a shutdown:
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, highlighted new federal funding he secured to help Saginaw-Shiawassee and Bay County Habitat for Humanity make critical home repairs for mid-Michigan veterans and working families.
“Our national budget is a statement of priorities and values. I strongly believe our nation’s budget should prioritize working people, not the wealthiest Americans. I am pleased that the President’s budget reduces the national deficit and focuses on lowering everyday costs for families, while continuing our strong economic growth after the pandemic.
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force, today introduced new legislation to ensure that veterans and their families exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals at military installations get the health care services and benefits they need through the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).
“Over the last year, President Biden and Congress have passed major legislation to accelerate America's economic growth and fix our crumbling infrastructure. We've made progress, but there is more work to do to fight inflation and lower costs for Michigan families.
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today voted to pass the Ensuring Veterans’ Smooth Transition (EVEST) Act. This bill would automatically enroll servicemembers leaving active duty military service with the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to make it easier for veterans to access the health care benefits they earned. Veterans who don’t want these services also have the choice of opting out.
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, will host the fifth annual Veterans and First Responders Recreation Day in Linden, Mich. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, from noon – 4 p.m. ET.
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today applauded the passage of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that includes nine Community Project Funding requests, benefitting Genesee, Saginaw and Bay County residents.