Military and Veterans
I am grateful for the service of our brave men and women in uniform and am dedicated to working to ensure that our veterans have access to the resources they need and receive the benefits they have earned.
Despite the partisan strife in Washington, we as a people unite around our respect for the men and women in uniform who keep us safe and free. Our respect and gratitude do not end when these heroes conclude their military service. Because they have protected our lives, our families and our way of life, we owe them a lifetime debt — a very small repayment for the sacrifices they have made.
My concern, and my commitment, is to ensure that the security of our homeland and the welfare of our troops and veterans don’t get pushed aside by Washington politics. We must work together to guarantee that our troops have access to the tools they need to get the job done, while also ensuring that our military members, both current and former, receive the recognition they deserve and the benefits they have earned.
Read more:
- Military
- Innovation
- Funding and Sequestration
- Veterans
- Local Issues
- Caucuses
- Media Highlights
- Columns
Military
Ensuring that the United States has the ability to build and maintain a strong national defense is one of Congress’ most important duties. To achieve that, we must be clear-eyed about the threats America faces, and about what is required to meet those challenges and defeat our enemies.
Ideally, having a strong military means that it rarely needs to be deployed. I sincerely hope it is never necessary. But on the occasions when it is necessary, there is only one acceptable option: to send in the best-trained, best-equipped personnel in the world.
Innovation
America is the world’s foremost military power for two reasons: our exceptional servicemen and women, and our reliance on the most advanced, effective equipment available. In order to remain on top, it is essential that we stay committed to developing cutting-edge military advances through research and development, training and production. These efforts save American lives, as well as provide good-paying civilian jobs in Colorado and across the nation.
Funding and Sequestration
I will always support giving our troops sufficient resources to complete their objectives as safely as possible without interruptions in pay, benefits or services. Some politicians, driven by ideology, want to slash and burn their way through the defense budget, while others treat it as untouchable. Both are misguided. I believe that every federal agency, including the Department of Defense, has inefficiencies and unnecessary programs that should be eliminated. That said, I believe that these reductions need to be made strategically, and not with broad across-the-board cuts that recklessly include programs vital for our national security. I am committed to reducing our federal debt and cutting needless or wasteful programs. I have supported numerous efforts—that do not jeopardize our national security—to get our nation back on a responsible fiscal path and reduce spending with trillions of dollars in cuts.
Veterans Issues
We are fortunate in Colorado’s Third Congressional District to have many veterans call our area home, and it is an honor to represent these courageous Americans. Whether it’s making sure that they receive their benefits, reducing red tape and bureaucracy, or simply shortening the distance that rural vets need to travel to secure services, I have made veterans issues a priority. To that end, I cosponsored the HEALTHY Vets Act (H.R. 575). The 3rd District has many rural areas, and many veterans have to drive extensive distances to get the care they need at VA facilities, passing other care facilities along the way. This common sense bill would expand care for veterans in rural areas by allowing them to receive timely care at facilities that are more accessible geographically.
I had the opportunity to carry two pieces of legislation for Colorado’s veteran community. My first bill that passed into law (H.R. 1658) renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs telehealth clinic in Craig for Major William Edward Adams, who was raised in Craig. Major Adams gave his life for our country in Vietnam and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in combat. I was honored to carry this bill to help provide the recognition in the community that this hero deserves. Read more.
Additionally, I carried the Blue Star Mothers Act (H.R. 2815), which has also been signed into law. This legislation updates the congressional charter of the Blue Star Mothers organization, a non-partisan, non-political, veterans service organization founded during WWII that provides services to active members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans, as well as provides support to military families. The Blue Star Mothers of America have played an important support role for our troops, veterans and their families for decades, and continue to serve those who serve and protect our country. Countless veterans, troops and families have benefited from the work of the Blue Star Mothers in Colorado and across the nation. This legislation updates the congressional charter to include all mothers of members of our U.S. Armed Forces. I am grateful for the service of our brave men and women in uniform and am dedicated to working to ensure that our veterans have access to the resources they need and receive the benefits they have earned. Read more.
I am currently working with my Colorado colleagues, the Department of Veterans Affairs and members of the local community to establish a national veterans cemetery for Southern Colorado. This has been a tremendous community-driven effort, and we are encouraged that the VA is getting closer to making a Southern Colorado national cemetery a reality for the heroes that call this region home. Read more.
Local Issues
In representing a state with a large military presence, I have a responsibility to serve as a liaison between my constituents and the Armed Forces. Whether I am examining the ramifications of a base or facility closure or advocating for local landowners, I am committed to maintaining an open dialogue between military leaders and the citizens of Colorado.
Legislation Highlights
- H.R.2815: The Blue Star Mothers Act (Sponsor) Updates and modernizes the congressional charter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, a veterans service organization founded during WWII that provides services to active members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. Countless Coloradan have benefitted from their services. This bill was endorsed by the American Legion and became public law on 12/13/11.
- H.R.1658 (Sponsor) Renamed the Department of Veterans Affairs telehealth clinic in Craig for Major William Edward Adams, who was raised in Craig. Major Adams gave his life for our country in Vietnam and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in combat. This bill was endorsed by the United Veterans Committee of Colorado and became public law 10/5/11.
- H.R.575: The HEALTHY Vets Act (Cosponsor) Expands care for veterans in rural areas by allowing them to receive timely care at facilities that are more accessible geographically.
- H Res 111 (Cosponsor) Establishes a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs.
- HR 1297: The Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011 (Cosponsor)
- H.R. 4155: Veterans Skills to Jobs Act (Supported). Streamlining job training and certifications to assist veterans with getting jobs when they return home. This became public law on 7/23/12.
Caucuses
- Member, F-35 Caucus
Media Coverage Highlights
- KKTV 11 News Pueblo: Vets Remembered By Refurbished Memorial
- Pueblo Chieftain: VA advances national cemetery
- Pueblo Chieftain: U.S. strike against Iran should be last resort
- Pueblo Chieftain: Colo. lawmakers cautious on new defense strategy
- Craig Daily Press: Efforts underway to honor Craig Medal of Honor recipient
- Durango Herald: On the legislative front
- Montrose Daily Press: Blue Star Mother Act revisions pass House
- Denver Post: Bennet, Tipton military moms measure heads to Obama’s desk
Columns
For more information concerning my work and views on veterans and military issues, please contact my Washington, DC office.