Veterans

 

veteran

Members of the armed forces are important to our nation, and we show them our appreciation by taking care of them after they have completed their service. As a Member of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee has fought to ensure that veterans have the access to the quality healthcare that they deserve.

 

Though we may be divided by our positions on the war in Iraq, we stand together to support our veterans. Our nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country. We must be united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is welcomed back with all the care and compassion this grateful nation can bestow.
 
Care for our veterans has been a priority of the new Democratic Congress. We have already enacted significant increases in veterans’ health care funding—increasing it by $5.2 billion for 2007—as a down payment on meeting our veterans’ needs. This year’s veterans’ health care funding bill exceeds the President’s request by almost $4 billion and is the largest increase in the history of the Veterans Affairs Department. The proposed budget increase will go for veterans’ health programs, including mental health care for returning veterans, especially for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

 

This bill means more than 1,100 new VA case workers to reduce the unacceptable delays in receiving earned benefits. And it increases the VA’s maintenance and repair budget to prevent a Walter Reed scandal from recurring in the VA system.

 

When the Second World War finally came to an end in 1945, celebrations erupted on the streets of cities and towns across our nation. One of the most enduring images of that war is not a picture of bombs or destruction, but of a jubilant soldier kissing a woman in New York City’s Times Square. The veterans we continue to honor as the "Greatest Generation" returned home not only to open arms, but also to the G.I. Bill, which offered them college or vocational education, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It also provided loans for returning veterans to buy homes and start businesses.

 

Unfortunately, our nation’s recognition of those who served in subsequent conflicts has been less than adequate. We have, in recent decades, too often failed to overcome our political differences to recognize the truly remarkable achievements of our courageous veterans. Though Congresswoman Jackson Lee opposed the war in Iraq from its inception, she remains absolutely committed to ensuring our sons and daughters returning from Iraq will receive the recognition they deserve and the services and support that they need. 

Congresswoman Jackson Lee recently introduced groundbreaking legislation entitled the "Military Success in Iraq Commemoration Act of 2007." Her legislation recognizes the extraordinary performance of the Armed Forces in achieving the military objectives of the United States in Iraq. It encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe a national day of celebration commemorating the military success of American troops in Iraq, and provides other affirmative and tangible expressions of appreciation from a grateful nation to all veterans of the war in Iraq. The Military Success in Iraq Commemoration Act of 2007 pays fitting tribute to the valor, devotion, and heroism of those who fought and in Iraq.

 

Veterans continue to have many unanswered needs, and Congresswoman Jackson Lee continues to fight for the rights of our most patriotic Americans. Veterans have kept their promise to serve our nation; they have willingly risked their lives to protect the country we all love. We must now ensure that we keep our promises to our veterans.

 

More Information

 

Frequently Ask Questions

Veteran Affairs (VA) Locations in and around the 18th District

 

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