Recognizing the Minority Veterans of America

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Minority Veterans of America on the occasion of their fourth anniversary on August 7, 2021. Minority Veterans of America is doing important work in home State of Washington and around the country advancing equity and justice for nearly 5 million underrepresented veterans, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and religious and nonreligious minorities. As a nation, we make a promise to take care of our veterans when they return from service. It is the least we can do for those who have sacrificed to defend our freedoms. Minority Veterans of America addresses the additional challenges minority veterans face in receiving the benefits they have earned.

Minority Veterans of America was founded in Washington State in 2017 by two military veterans, Lindsay Church and Katherine Pratt. Over the course of 4 years, Minority Veterans of America has grown to include thousands of members spread across nearly every State. They have worked tirelessly advocating for reforms that address economic and health disparities among minority veterans. In my home State of Washington, they have organized innovative programs that address the unique need of minority veterans in transitioning to civilian life, financial stability, social engagement, and access to resources. At the national level, Minority Veterans of America has organized grassroots movements to address issues such as discrimination in the military, military sexual trauma, and the transgender military ban. They also work directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase equitable and inclusive access to services.

It is clear to me that Minority Veterans of America has made a substantial contribution to veterans in Washington State and across the country. It is my pleasure to thank Minority Veterans of America for their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Minority Veterans of America on 4 years of outstanding service to our military veterans and look forward to working with them in the years to come as we continue to advance equity and inclusion for our veterans.

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