Issue Position: Veterans and Military

Issue Position

The cornerstone of U.S. security and the foundation for a peaceful future is a strong U.S. military. We can never take for granted the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, and we must provide them with the best equipment, facilities, and support possible so they can continue to defend our freedom. Through my position on the Appropriations Committee, I work to ensure our military is getting the support it needs to meet today's security threats while modernizing the force for the challenges of the future.

North Dakota plays a critical role in maintaining the nation's defenses:

Minot Air Force Base is the only location in the country to host both nuclear-capable bombers (B-52s) and the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Both the B-52s and Minuteman IIIs need to be upgraded, and I strongly support making the improvements necessary for these systems to keep America safe for decades to come. I also have worked with my colleagues to pass legislation blocking proposed cuts to our nuclear forces, including the silos that contain our ICBMs.

Grand Forks Air Force Base is home to the cutting edge RQ-4 Global Hawk, the nation's premier unmanned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The Global Hawk represents the future of our nation's ISR capabilities, supplanting older, less capable platforms. I continue to fight for funding so that the Air Force can complete its transition to the new Global Hawk fleet.

The North Dakota National Guard supports U.S. missions around the world and within North Dakota. The North Dakota Army Guard deploys ground forces for missions in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and wherever else it may be needed. The North Dakota Air Guard flies the unmanned Predator in a variety of theaters. Both have come to the aid of North Dakotans across the state in times of disaster and emergency. I work hard with my colleagues to ensure we provide the resources the National Guard needs to execute its various missions -- it provides the best value available to the taxpayer.

To remain safe and secure in the future, we will need a safe, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent and conventional forces that are as professional and technologically advanced as possible. North Dakota leads the way on both fronts, and I'm proud to advocate on behalf of our people and programs in the Senate.
Veterans

North Dakota is home to roughly 58,000 veterans and their families, and I am committed to working to support federal policies that will best serve the needs of our state's veterans.

As a strong supporter of the military and our nation's veterans, I believe we have an obligation to care for the brave servicemembers who have sacrificed for the safety of our nation. Although we can never fully repay these debts, one of the most tangible ways we recognize our veterans' service is by providing these men and women with the quality health care they need and ensuring access to support services such as educational and work opportunities for servicemembers transitioning back to civilian life.

Most recently, Congress has been working to fix the VA health care system after reports revealed unacceptable wait times at VA hospitals across the country. It is deeply troubling that veterans, who have given so much in the service of our country, have been neglected by some VA hospitals that were designed to help them. Some VA facilities across the country are being investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General (IG) for allegations regarding inappropriate scheduling policies. In addition, the IG revealed in an interim report that veterans in Phoenix have been waiting an average of 115 days just to see a primary care doctor. That is just not acceptable.

I believe there are several policy changes Congress can make to address problems at the VA and improve veterans' health care, and I have cosponsored two key pieces of legislation to address these issues.

The first measure I cosponsored, is the Veterans Choice Act (S. 2424), which will give veterans more choice and flexibility while reforming the veterans' health care system to provide greater accountability and transparency. Of particular concern to veterans in North Dakota, this legislation would help address long wait times or long drives for veterans who need health care services by enabling them to get those services at non-VA facilities closer to home.

Secondly, the bipartisan Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 (S. 2450) has been introduced. This legislation would reform the VA and make it easier for veterans to get health care services in their local communities. This bipartisan measure includes many provisions from the Veterans Choice Act described above, as well as pieces from Senator Sanders' Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act (S.2422). I voted for this bill on June 11, 2014, and it passed the Senate by a vote of 93-3.

I believe the Veterans Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 is a good start, but there is more to do. I will continue to lead efforts to ensure that veterans can access a nearby health care provider if their local veterans health care facility cannot provide the services they require. In addition, I will continue to press for Secretary McDonald's support to implement policies that will improve veterans' access to care, including long-term care, in their home communities.

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