One of the most important responsibilities I have as a Member of the United States Congress is to ensure adequate support for and appreciation of our nation's veterans. Freedom and responsibility are intertwined. The most significant demonstration of this responsibility for others has been shown by the bravery, courage and sacrifice of America's veterans.

As the Ranking Member of the subcommittee that makes funding decisions for the Veterans Administration, I am fighting to give our veterans the benefits they deserve. When the Veterans Disability Benefits Claim Modernization Act came to the floor for a vote it passed with my full support by a vote of 429-0. Hopefully, this bill will improve how disability claims are handled so that our veterans can get the benefits they have earned in a timely way. It is now up to the Senate to act. The House also recently approved legislation increasing funding to the Veterans Health Administration by $3.6 billion.