Issue Position: National Defense and Veterans

Issue Position

Providing for the common defense of the United States of America is the federal government's primary duty. America's national security goals and interests must be clearly defined by the President of the United States so Congress can ensure appropriate resources are allocated to achieve those objectives. Where Congress commits resources, especially with regard to putting our men and women in harm's way, there must be a clear national security interest, a well-articulated purpose, an understanding of the potential costs involved and a responsible plan for victory.

We remain in a War on Terrorism, and to win we must be vigilant, determined, and united in full support of our troops. The entire nation owes our military personnel and veterans a huge debt of gratitude, and ensuring that debt is properly repaid is one of my top priorities in Congress.

One of the ways we have sought to repay that debt is through providing affordable health care for military members and their families, both when in uniform and after they have retired. I am a strong supporter of health care for our veterans, and recognize the importance of providing full access to all benefits our veterans have earned, through an easily accessible and affordable system.

Millions of Americans joined the service with the understanding that health care would be available to them when they retired. Recent reports of veterans waiting three months or more for treatment at a VA medical facilities is outrageous. That is why I supported the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. This important legislation was signed into law on August 7, 2014 and ensures that veterans have access to the quality of care they deserve and in a timely manner. As a strong supporter of veterans' rights, I will continue to support legislation that gives veterans every benefit this country can afford them.

H.R. 1499, the Hero's Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act is a bill that I spear-headed to correct a flaw in the tax code that prevented servicemen from placing income from combat pay into a tax-free retirement account. I am extremely proud that on May 23, 2005, H.R. 1499 became the first piece of substantive policy legislation to pass the House sponsored by a first term Member of that Congress.

Our soldiers and veterans are some of our finest citizens, we will never forget those who have sacrificed to protect, uphold, and defend America and her interests.

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