Issue Position: Veterans Affairs

Issue Position

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, a 21-year member of the National Guard and a Veteran myself, I understand the sacrifices Veterans have made for our country, and I am committed to serving those who have defended our freedoms. I am committed to working with the VA to expand its capacity, address backlogs, provide better care, and offer more comprehensive services.

Congress must help our service men and women more easily transition into the private sector. The unemployment rate among recent Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans is higher than the national average and the number of Veterans receiving unemployment benefits has doubled over the past decade. Our nation's heroes deserve to return to an America full of opportunities so they can thrive and succeed after serving our great nation.

That is why I introduced The Troop Talent Act. This legislation would improve the translation of military skill sets to civilian credentials or licenses, and allow the post-9/11 G.I. Bill and Military Tuition Assistance to be used on courses and programs that guarantee a credential or industry certification after successful completion. Many of the provisions of the Troop Talent Act were passed as part of National Defense Authorization Act.

I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure our Veterans and their families continue to have the support and care they deserve.

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