Issue Position: Veterans & Military Issues

Issue Position

War and peace cannot be won without our nation's veterans. It is important for every American to remember the noble service and high sacrifices of those who have worn this nation's uniform. Since coming to Congress I have dedicated myself to, in the words of President Lincoln, "care for him who shall have borne the battle."

With more than 120,000 returning service members from Iraq and Afghanistan now seeking veterans' health care, and more than 1,000,000 veterans currently in the VA system, I'm working in Congress to provide additional funding to meet the demand. I am also working to pass a comprehensive New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century. In addition, I am fighting to prevent President Bush from increasing health care costs on our veterans. Just as our men and women in uniform vow to never leave a soldier behind in battle, so must we commit to never leaving a veteran behind when they return from serving our country.

LEGISLATION

I have introduced the following bills in the 109th Congress:

H.R. 2060 - Along with Representative Dana Rohrabacher, I have introduced H.R. 2060 which eliminates the means testing in the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Act for Reservists and National Guard members called up for more than 60 days of service in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, allowing them to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under less punitive rules.

H.R. 1441 - Inclusive Home Design Act of 2005

I have introduced H.R. 1441, the Inclusive Home Design Act, which would make more new homes accessible, or "visitable," by people with disabilities, especially disabled veterans. Specifically, the legislation would require all newly-built single-family homes and townhouses receiving federal funds to meet four specific accessibility standards: at least one accessible (or "zero step") entrance into the home; 32" clearance doorways on the main level; one wheelchair accessible bathroom; and electrical and climate controls - such as light switches and thermostats - at reachable heights from a wheelchair.

I am also a Co-Sponsor of these key bills:

H.R. 515 - Assured Funding for Veterans Health Care Act of 2005

I am a cosponsor of HR 515, legislation offered by Representative Lane Evans, which would provide mandatory funding for the VA. I believe that adequate funding for our veterans' health care should never be an issue for debate. I strongly support investing more in our nation's VA health care system.

H.R. 4949 - Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act

I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4949, the Military Retirees' Health Care Protection Act, legislation designed to block the Pentagon from raising health care fees on military veterans. H.R. 4949 would block increases to TRICARE military health insurance premiums, co-payments for pharmaceuticals, deductibles for inpatient care, and premiums for those in the Reserves and Guard who are enrolled in TRICARE.

H.R. 2131 - New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century Act

H.R. 2131 will improve benefits for our veterans by providing better education, health care, and job training benefits for those who have answered the call to duty.

H.R. 808 - Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act

I am a cosponsor of H.R. 808, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, which would repeal the widow's tax. The inequity of a dollar-for-dollar deduction of VA benefits for service-connected deaths from the survivors' SBP annuities must be ended.

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