Issue Position: Military and Veterans

Issue Position

With Fort Hood in Texas' 31st District, we are reminded daily of the sacrifices made by our service men and women. As the representative for Fort Hood and its supporting communities, I will continue to work for legislation that will improve the quality of life for our soldiers and their families as well as the thousands of veterans and retirees who have voluntarily sacrificed so much for our country.

I have the great pleasure of serving on the House subcommittee directly responsible for allocating resources our military and veterans require to provide the quality of life our current and former service members deserve. As we shrink the size of our Armed Forces to adapt to current and future threats, we are confronted with numerous challenges that directly affect our communities. I work regularly with military and local community leaders to address the issues they are experiencing and to identify and plan for situations in the future. I have worked directly with Pentagon officials to ensure Fort Hood remains a premier instillation so area communities and businessesremain strong.

I have consistently supported funding and measures to improve veterans' benefits. In 2008, my efforts on the Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Committee led to nearly $88 billion for veterans' services, which include more than $27 billion for medical services. Since being assigned to the committee, I have worked consistently to increase VA funding and I will continue to do so as the need grows. In order to serve veterans better, I formed a veteran's advisory council made up of veterans from the district to help me identify and respond to issues that affect them.

As important as our active duty military and veterans community is, I also believe that we should recognize the sacrifices and efforts made by our military spouses and families. I believe it is Congress' duty to assist them with the many challenges they face.

I will continue to adamantly support our Armed Forces and the communities to which they are so closely tied. I will also continue to ensure our soldiers have the best equipment and training possible to provide for their safety and ability to accomplish their mission so that they may return to their loved ones knowing their efforts were worthwhile.

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