WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton made the following statement marking Veterans Day.

"Today I join all Americans in honoring the brave men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our nation. These men and women have given so much for all of us. We owe them our freedom, our respect, and our gratitude demonstrated in our words and deeds. Veterans are veterans for life and they and their families deserve the support and services they have earned. That is why I have fought to improve veterans health care and to streamline the benefits claim process, and why I will continue to be a champion for veterans in the Senate. We must serve them as they have served all of us. Let us pay our respect today as we recommit ourselves to this solemn duty every day."

Senator Clinton has long been an advocate for veterans and their families. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, she has worked to ensure that our servicemembers and veterans have the resources and support they have earned. This year she introduced and passed into law measures to improve screening for Traumatic Brain Injury, smooth the transition between the Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Administration (VA) health care systems, simplify the disability benefits process, offer new educational opportunities to veterans, and protect and increase financial benefits for families of deceased servicemembers. Senator Clinton also joined Senator Chris Dodd in securing into law legislation that extends the benefits provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by allowing the families of wounded military personnel to take up to six months of unpaid leave to care for their loved ones during the often lengthy rehabilitation process.

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