Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

We must fight for those who fought for us by protecting veterans' benefits, improving the benefits claims system, and improving access, quality, and timeliness of VA health care. I was proud to fight alongside some of the finest men and women this country has to offer. These veterans have earned their benefits and deserve the best care this country has to offer. We must fulfill our promises to the brave men and women who fight for us by protecting their medical care, access to mental health resources, compensation for service connected disabilities, education benefits, and by helping them transition to civilian life to include meaningful employment.

I also know that homelessness among veterans is unacceptable and will fight to care for our veterans. When I returned home after serving in the U.S. Army, I struggled to access my own benefits. This inspired me to begin fighting for veterans in Colorado. I worked with other veteran leaders and elected officials to secure the funding for the new VA hospital in Aurora. I help veterans as they transition to civilian life. I also donate hundreds of hours of legal pro bono work for veterans and organizations that work to help veterans with substance abuse and other issues. I will never stop fighting for those who served our country.

When we send men and women to fight our wars, we promise to take care of them and their families. The Veterans Administration was once known for its excellent health care system, but has been plagued by underfunding and mismanagement. I will work tirelessly to ensure that our veterans can rely on quality and timely medical care and mental health care and will fight attempts to privatize the VA. Nearly three million Americans have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When they return home, many struggle to transition back to civilian life. Protecting veterans' education benefits and working to promote employment and career development of veterans can help ease this difficult transition for many veterans.

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