E-Newsletter: Supporting Our Veterans

Statement

This week, I voted yes on H.R. 4486: Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2015. This bill affects many elements of our military and Veterans Affairs, everything from funding for Arlington National Cemetery to the Veterans Health Administration and beyond.

I advocated for some important provisions in this bill that includes funding for the Veterans caregiver supporter program, support for homeless Veterans and job training for Veterans transitioning to the private sector.

I also encouraged the VA to strengthen collaborations with research universities and teaching hospitals such as Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The partnerships will focus on the treatment and research of mental health disorders, such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. I also asked that the VA's national ophthalmology services be expanded to better serve Veterans with eye injuries.

Our Veterans deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream that they fought for. This legislation allows the VA to better process Veterans' claims, address Veterans' homelessness and help those who served successfully transition into the private sector. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to pass this vital legislation for our nation's Veterans.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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