Issues

Veterans and active duty servicemen and servicewomen deserve the sincere admiration and thanks of a grateful nation. These brave Americans dedicate their lives to the service of their country, and I believe our responsibility to them does not simply end when they return home from a battlefield far away. Our veterans represent the very best of our country's founding principles: honor, duty, courage, patriotism, selflessness, and a willingness to sacrifice everything in the name of freedom. Our veterans here in southern Missouri provide clear evidence of their character every day.

 

With two close family members having served in Iraq, I know firsthand that the danger these young men and women face is serious and their sacrifices substantial. No matter where our heroes may have served, the beaches of France, the sands of Iwo Jima, the jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan, the deserts of Iraq, or right here in America, they remain foremost in mind every day. I have and will continue to work with members of both parties to provide for our service members.

 

In this session of Congress, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to pass the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill with an overwhelming majority. The bill includes $45.1 billion for the Veterans Health Administration, which represents increases of over $4 billion for both medical and mental health services from FY 2009. Also included in this landmark legislation is assistance for homeless vets, rural vets, and funds for capital improvements in the buildings in which vets receive medical care.

 

We also worked to draft and introduce HR 237, the Military Retiree Health Care Relief Act of 2009. This legislation is designed to allow for tax refunds to veterans or their surviving spouses for premiums paid to enroll in supplemental Medicare health plans. Additionally, I am a cosponsor of six other veterans related bills, including measures that provided tax credits to businesses that make it a priority to hire vets discharged since September 11th, 2001, and providing those effected by post-traumatic stress syndrome and brain injuries with the highest level of care and support.